Bruno Guimaraes confirms Newcastle United move in four-word message

Bruno Guimaraes has reported back to Newcastle United’s training centre after returning from the World Cup with Brazil.

The 25-year-old, whose only appearances came as a substitute against Switzerland and Cameroon, was pictured in tears last Friday following his nation’s shock penalty shootout defeat to Croatia at the quarter-final stage.

An upset Guimaraes flew back from Qatar over the weekend but it appears he is keen to put the disappointment firmly behind him after swiftly linking up with his Magpies teammates.

Confirming his return on Instagram, the midfielder said “back to my team” with a love heart and thumbs up emoji.

The former Lyon star becomes the club’s third international star to return to Benton this week after Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier reported back yesterday.

Nick Pope and Fabian Schar have been granted extra time off but are likely to return in the coming days.

Asked about the club’s World Cup stars and when they will return, head coach Eddie Howe said: “I think we’ll take it on an individual basis because it’s a difficult one to predict. Of course, we don’t know how long the players will stay involved in the World Cup so that has a bearing.

“Then, the individual player, how much football they’ve played at World Cup could potentially have a bearing.

“Speaking to all the players, I know they’re very keen to come back and join us very quickly but of course, we have to have the balance right. We don’t want to fatigue players mentally probably more than physically going into the second half of the season.

“At some stage, we will probably need to give them a break. When that is, I don’t know.”

Newcastle host Rayo Vallecano in a friendly on Saturday (kick-off 12:30pm) before resuming the competitive season against Bournemouth in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup three days later.