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Newcastle United will be without a key player for around two months.
Everton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe may have been handed a massive boost.
The Toffees are in pursuit of booking a return to European competition. The Toffees currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, which would likely earn them a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League. Meanwhile, the Blues are three points behind Brentford, who occupy the final Europa League spot.
But the battle for Europe will be hotly contested in the final 12 fixtures of the season. Newcastle United are 10th, but just one point behind Everton, and they are trying to be in European competition for a fourth successive season.
David Moyes’ side travel to face the Magpies at St James’ Park on Saturday 28 February. The result could have significant implications on the final league table.
And Newcastle have suffered a hammer injury blow. Eddie Howe’s men are set to be without key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for a sustained period. Multiple reports suggest that the Brazil international will be on the treatment table for around two months.
After the Villa win, Newcastle boss Howe said: “I think he will be [pushing to get back sooner]. But the timeframe will be the timeframe on this one.
"I don't think there's any miracle cure for him. I think it will be a couple of months. You are probably looking at the end of the international break in March for him.
"That is a blow for us. It is a key stage in the season, he is devastated, but it is what it is. We can't do anything about it. We just have to get him back safely and other players have to step up in his absence.”
Newcastle have failed to win the three Premier League matches that Guimaraes has not played in this season. The Magpies also have Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Emil Krath as long-term absentees.
As things stand, Jack Grealish is Everton’s only player out injured with a fractured foot. The on-loan Manchester City winger may not play again this term. Jake O’Brien is suspended for the visit of Manchester United next week after the defender was sent-off in a 2-1 defeat by AFC Bournemouth.
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