Newcastle superstar Bruno Guimaraes was not in the stands at St James' Park for the Tyne-Wear derby and the Brazilian has now explained why after suffering a new blow
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United arrives for the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United
Bruno Guimaraes has mumps(Image: Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has revealed he was not at St James' Park for the Tyne-Wear derby due to suffering from mumps. The Brazilian midfielder is out of action due to injury but would usually have been present to witness the Magpies' devastating defeat.
Guimaraes said he first thought he was suffering from an allergic reaction after returning to Newcastle from Barcelona, after his side's Champions League exit. His symptoms only grew worse, and he now needs to remain in isolation.
The Newcastle ace said on Instagram: "The only reason I'm not at the stadium in Newcastle is that after our flight back from Barcelona, I noticed my face was swollen and thought I was having an allergic reaction.
"But the next day when I woke up, I realised it was much more than that. I sent a photo to the doctor and he came to examine me. It was confirmed that I have mumps, and I need to remain in isolation for 5 days and stay away from physical activities for a bit longer. My focus now is to recover and be 100% as soon as possible"
Guimaraes travelled with Newcastle's squad to Barcelona after returning from Brazil, where he had been recovering from his hamstring injury. The 28-year-old has been unavailable to Eddie Howe since picking up the issue against Tottenham on February 10.
He had been expecting to watch from the stands. Guimaraes revealed as much in his captain's notes ahead of Sunderland but ultimately he was left disappointed on multiple fronts as his side lost 2-1.
"The backing you gave us at the Nou Camp was incredible, right until the end, even in the tough moments," he said. "We have shown the best version of ourselves in the Champions League this season - now we need to take that into the Premier League to finish the season strongly and finish as high as we can.
"The performances the lads have shown recent have been back to the team we know we can be, and I have been cheering the boys on for every game back in Brazil.
"I really wish I coud be helping the team on the pitch today, because we all know how much this fixture means to you and this city. Instead, I'll be supporting from the stands, with you, kicking every ball."