Bruno Guimarães Set for Extended Absence as Newcastle Faces Challenges Ahead

omidbasir- As initially reported by ESPN Brasil, Bruno Guimarães will be sidelined for approximately ten weeks, potentially missing the majority of Newcastle’s remaining twelve Premier League matches this season, alongside their Champions League commitments.

Since Guimarães’s debut after joining from Lyon in 2022, Newcastle has yet to secure a Premier League victory without him. The team has suffered defeats in all twelve league matches he has missed, including recent losses to Aston Villa and Liverpool.

It is crucial for Newcastle to overcome this disadvantage if they wish to qualify for European competition next season. Currently positioned 10th in the Premier League, the club has considerable work ahead of them.

Following Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round, manager Eddie Howe commented on Guimarães’s situation amidst the match’s refereeing controversies. He stated:

“I think he will be pushing to return sooner, but the timeframe will remain as it is. I don’t believe there’s a miracle cure for him; it will likely take a couple of months. We are probably looking at the end of the international break in March for his return. This is a setback for us at a pivotal moment in the season; he is understandably devastated, but it is what it is. We must focus on bringing him back safely, and other players must step up in his absence. Today, [Nick] Woltemade, [Jacob] Ramsey, and [Sandro] Tonali performed excellently.”

Guimarães took to Instagram to express his frustration at the injury, stating: “For the first time in ten years of my career, I will have to spend some time away from the pitch. I’m very saddened, but I believe that God knows what is best. A muscle injury will keep me out for a few weeks, but I am confident it will strengthen me for the future. Thank you all for your support and messages. See you soon.”

In a subsequent Instagram story after the cup victory at Villa Park, he expressed pride in his teammates, saying: “So proud of you boys! Even against all odds, we got the job done! Love it. We keep going.”

This season, Guimarães has been a pivotal figure for Newcastle, both on and off the field, leading the squad and becoming the top scorer in the league with nine goals in 23 appearances, surpassing his previous best total for a season.

Newcastle invested significantly in players like Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, and Anthony Elanga during the summer transfer window. Given the club’s recent history of two Champions League qualifications in three years, fan expectations for European qualification remain high.

The pressure is now on Howe to devise a strategy to cope without their captain, with critical fixtures approaching against both Manchester clubs, Everton, and Chelsea, as well as their two-legged Champions League knockout play-off tie against Qarabag, commencing with the first leg on Wednesday.