Brazil coach reveals Newcastle United request amid Bruno Guimaraes ‘dilemma’ claim

Brazil manager Tite has revealed Newcastle United asked midfielder Bruno Guimarães to make an early return from international duty.

The former Lyon star made his comeback from injury in last weekend’s home draw with Bournemouth before joining up with the Brazil squad for a double-header of pre-World Cup friendlies.

A thigh injury ruled Guimaraes out of Friday’s meeting with Ghana and left the squad by the time Brazil faced Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday night.

Guimaraes will be monitored by United’s medical staff before a final decision is made over his involvement in Saturday’s visit to Fulham.

Speaking ahead of his side’s meeting with Tunisia, Brazil coach Tite gave an insight into the situation surrounding the Magpies star.

He explained: “Every game some situation surprises you, a high level performance. On top of a whole context it can give (a surprise). I’ll give you an example, Bruno Guimaraes was with us, he wanted to recover and play again, but the club asked him to return.

“He came to tell us that he was in a dilemma of staying, and he even came to tell us that he’d like us to decide. I looked at him and said: “No, this assignment is yours, as maturity and growth, what brings you to the national team is high performance with health, this will bring you to the national team. How engaged you are, we know.”

“So the faster he’s back at the club, the more chance he’ll be here, because I don’t know if in a couple of months Arthur will be at the level he was at the Copa América, where he was chosen as one of the best players.”

Magpies manager Eddie Howe will hope for more positive news this week as he awaits news on the fitness of Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Alexander Isak and Elliot Anderson.