Sunderland face Newcastle United for the second time this season on March 22nd.
Newcastle United have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of next month’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland, with Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes set to miss the contest due to a hamstring complaint.
The Magpies talisman sustained the issue during his side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. He was initially expected to be out until after the March international break - a return date that would prevent him from featuring against Sunderland at St. James’ Park.
And now, reports in the Brazilian media have seemingly confirmed Guimaraes’ absence from the clash on March 22nd. The player has recently spent time with the Brazilian national team’s medical staff at Atletico Mineiro back in his home country, and according to, ESPN Brazil, instead of returning to England to continue his recovery, the 28-year-old will now travel to Rio de Janeiro to work on his rehabilitation with Botafogo.
The report adds: “[Guimaraes] understands that dedicated treatment in Brazil would accelerate his return more than remaining in England and following Newcastle 's normal protocol.” The decision comes after a meeting with Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday.
Guimaraes is expected to remain in Brazil for around a month, but could end up being sidelined for over two months in total. It is understood that Newcastle’s match at Crystal Palace on April 11th has been earmarked as a potential target for the midfielder’s return, but whether he is fit and available by that point remains to be seen.
Toon boss Eddie Howe will no doubt be concerned by Guimaraes’ extended absence, and not least because his side are still yet to win a Premier League match the South American hasn’t been involved in since his arrival at the club from Lyon back in January 2022.
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What has Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said about Bruno Guimaraes’ injury?
Speaking in a recent press conference, Howe addressed Guimaraes’ ongoing absence and his current stay in Brazil, explaining: "We've spoken with, and Bruno Guimaraes spoke with our medical team. We've been in consultation with the Brazilian national team. He's going this week with Brazil and then comes back to us for the last four weeks. I think it's a good mix for Bruno; initial stages of not doing too much, he gets a sort of mental refresh while doing some good work, and then comes back to finish off his final part.”
Guimaraes was part of the Newcastle side that suffered a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland when the two sides met in the Premier League late last year. A Nick Woltemade own goal settled the contest in the Black Cats’ favour at the Stadium of Light, with the hosts now unbeaten in their last 10 league meetings against their bitter rivals.
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