Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United 'big blow' vs Arsenal - trio under consideration

Newcastle United will be without their captain and central defender Fabian Schar for the visit to Arsenal after the pair were booked in the previous round against Brentford. As per EFL rules, any player cautioned twice before the semi-final stage is forced to serve a one-match suspension.

Schar was also suspended for the weekend win at Tottenham Hotspur, which saw Sven Botman make his first start since undergoing ACL injury in March. For Guimaraes, however, this is the first time this campaign he isn’t available for selection.

“Yeah, it’s big blow,” Howe admitted. “One of Bruno’s biggest strengths is that he’s always there for you, his appearance record has been brilliant for us. Especially when you consider the physical exertion he commits to each game.

“He’s been exceptional in every way so to lose him, a pivotal figure for us, is a big miss but we have big players that can fill his shoes as well so whoever I choose in that position I think that we have quality coming in.”

“Trying to find someone to play like Bruno is not easy,” Howe added. “No two players are alike and you have to look at who you bring in and try to make him play to the best of his own ability, his style really.

“I have no doubt there will be a slight change for us to be without Bruno but [whoever comes in] he can do what he does. But that does not mean it cannot be effective for the team whatever change we do make.

“We will have to try to look at that and find the right balance because the balance has been so good in the last few games. That is why we have executed what we have. To get the balance right with new player coming in is something we will have to look at closely.”

Who will replace Bruno Guimaraes in the starting XI?

Howe went on to admit that he has a “pretty good idea” as to what route he will go down.

With Sandro Tonali and Joelinton set to continue in the middle, Howe will choose between Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock or Lewis Miley. While Longstaff is viewed as the most likely candidate due to the fact he has regularly played on the right side of midfield for Newcastle, Howe spoke highly of both Willock and Miley during his pre-match press conference.

"I think Joe is probably in his best condition that he's been for a long time,” said Howe. “He's been able, again, to stay fit and train for a long period of time, which he hasn't had for so long. He's had very stop-to-start time, different injuries, different problems.

"But I'd say he's an undoubted game-changer for us. He's got brilliant physical capabilities. He's got a goal in him. He's creative. So Joe Willock at his best is a great asset for us to have. I'm of course aware of the Arsenal connections for him, but he's just a great player in his own right."

On Miley, Howe said: “He is in a good place and has come back from his injury and he has looked good. He has trained now for a long period of time, he is building that robustness that only training for that length can give you.

“He is ready to play I'd say. I would have no concerns about putting him into the team. He has that big game experience that you are talking about, he has played in the Champions League at St James' and some top grounds and done very well. He is a valuable member of the squad."