Bruno Guimaraes has explained he missed Newcastle's Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland after being diagnosed with mumps and forced into five-day isolation
Amie Wilson Sports writer and Neil Docking
16:59, 22 Mar 2026Updated 17:02, 22 Mar 2026
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes splashes water on his face during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on May 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
View 4 Images
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes was diagnosed with mumps(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has explained he missed his team's defeat against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby due to a diagnosis of mumps.
The Brazilian was unable to play due to injury, and was noticeably absent from St James' Park as the Magpies suffered a 2-1 loss to their bitter rivals. He has since clarified that he is in isolation, with the midfielder recounting a frightening incident on the return journey from Barcelona last week.
Guimaraes' absence was keenly felt as Newcastle once again fell short against their fierce rivals, who now occupy the spot above them in the Premier League table at 11th. The midfielder - who has been linked with a summer transfer to Manchester United - explained his absence in an Instagram story.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates his team's fourth goal, scored by teammate Harvey Barnes during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park.
View 4 Images
Bruno Guimaraes has revealed that he has been diagnosed with mumps. (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
He wrote: "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 five days and stay away from physical activities for a bit longer. My focus now is to recover and be 100% as soon as possible."
Newcastle started the derby on a high note, with Anthony Gordon capitalising on a blunder in the Sunderland defence to put his side 1-0 ahead just 10 minutes into the game, reports the Mirror.
However, second-half goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey turned the tide and consigned Eddie Howe's team to a 2-1 loss.
Sunderland beat Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby
View 4 Images
Sunderland beat Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby(Image: Getty Images)
Guimaraes has been absent from the last five Premier League fixtures after picking up a hamstring injury back in February. He was, nevertheless, set to accelerate his rehabilitation with the Brazil squad during the international break with a view to returning against Crystal Palace.
Whether his condition will now affect that timeline remains unclear and may depend on how long he must remain in isolation and his recuperation.
Mumps is an infectious viral condition that mainly targets the salivary glands, resulting in painful swelling around the cheeks and jaw. Triggered by the mumps virus, it transmits through saliva or respiratory droplets, leading to fever, headache, and muscle aches. The NHS confirms that most people with mumps recover after two weeks but can occasionally trigger other complications.
The 28-year-old, meanwhile, was in the headlines this week after speculation with a switch to Manchester United in the forthcoming summer transfer window surfaced, though they have been dismissed by Howe.
Bruno Guimaraes arrives for the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou.
View 4 Images
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes has confirmed he is in isolation after being diagnosed with mumps. (Image: Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
"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," he said.
"I'm not going to be impolite because I don't think it's the forum to do that in. For me it's a nonsense story.
Article continues below
"Bruno's our captain, he's fully committed. He's injured at the moment, his only focus is coming back to fitness. For me, it is not the time to think about it.
"In the summer, you can understand those stories a little bit more because the transfer window is open. To say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anything else. He's totally committed here."