Bruno Guimaraes facing second Newcastle United ban just weeks after Arsenal game

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has only just returned from serving a one-match suspension - but is on the cusp of a second one.

The Magpies midfielder picked up his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season in the heated 1-0 win over Arsenal, which forced him to sit out of the trip to AFC Bournemouth a week later.

And Guimaraes' absence was felt well-and-truly as United lost 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium. It is perhaps no coincidence that when he returned to face Chelsea on Saturday, a 4-1 win was recorded.

Speaking about the 26-year-old's importance, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: "He’s an outstanding player. You’re always going to miss a player of his technical ability and enthusiasm, and I think he’s a real catalyst for us with the supporters as well.

"You take that player away and I think there is a big hole. Him coming back into the squad is a massive lift, we've certainly missed him.” 

The Brazilian will start tonight's crunch Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain but knows he must avoid a caution if he is to feature in the final Group F clash versus AC Milan at St James' Park on December 13.

Players who are booked three times before the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals are required to serve a one-match ban. Guimaraes previously picked up cautions against PSG and Borussia Dortmund.

What happens at the Parc des Princes this evening (kick-off 8pm) will decide the significance of the AC Milan game. Eddie Howe's side must avoid defeat in order to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.

A win would put Newcastle's fate in their own hands, however a draw means they'd be relying on results from elsewhere. Lose, and their last 16 hopes are over.