Bruno Guimaraes injury latest as Newcastle United’s captain closes in on a return.
Bruno Guimaraes remains a doubt for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash at home to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Magpies have been without their captain since the 2-1 win away to Tottenham Hotspur on February 10 after he sustained a hamstring injury in the closing stages.
United received the news that Guimaraes would be out until early April and as part of his rehabilitation, he spent the first part of it back in Brazil.
The 28-year-old returned to Tyneside in the build-up to the Champions League last-16 second leg tie in Barcelona, and was present at the Camp Nou as his teammates lost 7-2.
Four days later, Guimaraes was due to watch the Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland but was forced to self-isolate at home after contracting mumps.
That prevented Guimaraes from stepping up his recovery during the recent three-week break. He was pictured back on the training ground last week but missed Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Bruno Guimaraes remains a doubt v Bournemouth
Guimaraes will undergo more work this week but Saturday’s game against Bournemouth could still come too soon, making next weekend’s visit to Premier League leaders Arsenal perhaps a more realistic target.
Speaking on Friday, head coach Eddie Howe explained: “Bruno suffered, as probably the majority know from mumps, on his return from Brazil, so that's delayed his return. He will not be involved in this game [Palace]. I think there's probably a doubt over the Bournemouth game as well for him.
“No injury concern, more just the illness stopped him doing some key work that we needed him to do to be considered for these games. He may be the game after, but it's important he comes back when he's ready.”
Joelinton already ruled out of next two games
Howe has already admitted that Newcastle will have to ‘readjust and reshuffle’ their midfield for games against Bournemouth and Arsenal due to Joelinton’s suspension.
The Brazilian picked up his 10th yellow card of the season during the Palace defeat for a challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
As per Premier League rules, any player who is booked 10 times in their club’s opening 32 matches is handed an automatic two-match ban.
Lewis Miley returned from 10 weeks out injured to start in midfield at Selhurst Park alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali. Jacob Ramsey is in line to take Joelinton’s place, while Howe also has Joe Willock available.
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