Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder #39 Bruno Guimaraes reacts after their opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on February 7, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder #39 Bruno Guimaraes reacts after their opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on February 7, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes will miss Newcastle United’s Tyne-Wear derby clash against Sunderland.
The Brazilian captained the Magpies at the Stadium of Light as they lost 1-0 to the Black Cats in the reserve Premier League fixture back in December.
But the 28-year-old won’t be available this afternoon as he recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained during the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on February 10.
Bruno Guimaraes issue message to Newcastle United fans ahead of Sunderland clash
Guimaraes will instead watch from the St James’ Park stands and, ahead of kick-off, has issued a message to supporters in his matchday programme column.
“As a team, we were angry after the away game at Sunderland in December and that still hurts,” said Guimaraes wrote. “But now is not the time for talking, it’s time for action.
“Since then, we have worked hard to keep building together as a group in different competitions. I have been really proud to see the team performing and fighting for each other while I have been away, and it was great to be back with the team this week in Barcelona.”
Guimaraes is due back from injury after the upcoming international break.
“I really wish I could be helping the team on the pitch today, because we all know how much this fixture means to you and this city”, Guimaraes continued. “Instead, I’ll be supporting you from the stands, with you, kicking every ball.
“I’m working hard every day to be back as soon as I can. But until then, let’s make St James’ Park as loud as it can be today - and I know the team will show the right mentality to fight fir the result you deserve for your incredible support this season. Howay the lads!”
Bruno Guimaraes linked with Manchester United
Guimaraes has been in the headlines in the build-up to the derby after reports in Brazil claimed Manchester United had entered advanced talks over his signature. But when asked about the stories, Eddie Howe fired back.
Howe told NewcastleWorld: “I don't even know how to respond to that, I don't even think I should because it's a waste of my energy. Bruno's our captain, he's fully committed, he's injured at the moment, his only focus is coming back to fitness.”
When pressed further, Howe delivered a stronger response, using words such as “nonsense” and “disrespectful”.
Howe said: “No, I'm not going to be [impolite], because I don't think it's the forum to do that in, but for me it's a nonsense story.”
Guimaraes isn’t the only Newcastle star to be linked with an exit this summer, with Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon subject to speculation in recent months.
“Is it a problem for us? I don't necessarily think it's a problem for us, but it's unwanted news, I suppose is the best way to put it,” Howe said. “You don't want your players distracted. I don't know how much they'll absorb that, but for me it's not the time to think about that.
“In the summer you can sort of understand those stories a little bit more, because the transfer window's open. But to say our captain's in discussions with another club, I think is totally disrespectful to Bruno, more than anybody else. He's totally committed here.”
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