Bruno Guimaraes update as Newcastle United handed double injury boost v Aston Villa
Bruno Guimaraes is missing for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
Newcastle United are without their captain Bruno Guimaraes for this afternoon’s Premier League clash at home to Aston Villa.
The Magpies could move up to as high as fourth in the Premier League table with three points.
Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League home games, and haven’t lost to Villa, at St James’ Park since 2005.
But they also haven’t won any of the eight Premier League games Guimaraes has missed.
Bruno Guimaraes absent for Newcastle United v Aston Villa
The Brazilian was forced off during United’s 3-0 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night with an ankle injury.
As of Friday morning, Howe wasn’t aware of the extent of the injury but refused to rule the midfielder out against Villa. Guimaraes, however, was not spotted among the players to arrive at St James’ Park ahead of kick-off.
“Yeah, I think with Bruno, we hope it's not serious,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference. “The extent of the injury is still unknown, but he was reasonably positive after the game.
“Speaking to him again, he's the guy that will never rule anything out, so we're going to give him every chance for this weekend. Let's wait and see.”
Newcastle United name one change to starting XI v Aston Villa
In Guimaraes’ absence, Howe has named one change to his starting XI with Lewis Miley brought into the midfield.
“In terms of working out how to play without him, I think he is just a very, very good player,” Howe said. “A very, very talented footballer. A very creative footballer.
“Regardless of where he plays, he has the ability to change games. Of course, if we're without him in any game, you have to come up with a solution.
“You have to come up with an alternative way of either selecting your team or a way of playing. We're trying to figure out all avenues if he isn't available, but we hope he can make it.”
Newcastle United double injury boost v Aston Villa
Newcastle are, however, boosted by the respective returns of Dan Burn and Will Osula, with both players on the bench.
Burn has missed the last five weeks after sustaining a rib and lung injury during the Tyne-Wear derby defeat away to Sunderland on December 14.
Osula, meanwhile, has spent 11 weeks out with an ankle issue, something he initially played on with before being forced to withdraw from the matchday squad for the 2-0 win over Athletic Club on November 5.
Speaking about Burn on Friday, Howe said: “With Dan, as you saw around the Champions League game, he is out with the players. Today is possibly the first day where he's training fully with the group, taking contact, and that will be the key thing for him.
“But he's desperate to get back involved, so that's a great sign.”