Eddie Howe explains shock Bruno Guimaraes decision amid Newcastle United selection call

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed he received reassurances from Bruno Guimaraes and the Magpies medical staff before selecting the Brazil star in his starting eleven for Saturday evening’s visit to Crystal Palace.

The former Lyon midfielder suffered what looked like a serious ankle injury during the first-half of Sunday’s narrow win over Fulham. After trying to run off the injury during the closing stages of the opening 45 minutes, an emotional Guimaraes made his way back to the home dressing room at half-time before being replaced by Allan Saint-Maximin.

There were concerns the midfielder could miss a number of games over the coming weeks and months but scans returned positive news and Guimaraes trained ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park before taking his place in Howe’s starting lineup.

Ahead of the game, the Magpies manager told Sky Sports: “The scan was good and we decided to take it day-by-day and see how he felt. He trained for the first time yesterday, said he felt 100% to play. There’s always an element of risk whenever a player steps on to the pitch but in terms of Bruno’s situation, no I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to risk him for the future.

“The medical team and Bruno were more than happy for him to play today. (It is) a big boost, he is a key player for us. He has been excellent this season, he brings creativity but also a defensive solidity that we’ve done very well with this season. So he’s a big player and we are pleased to have him with us.”