More injury worries for Newcastle United as key midfielder set to miss out

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been ruled out of Brazil’s friendly against Ghana with a thigh injury.

The former Lyon star made his Magpies comeback in last weekend’s 1-1 home draw with Bournemouth after missing three previous three games with an injury picked up in the latter stages of the Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.

Guimaraes travelled to France earlier this week to link up with the Brazil squad for a friendly double-header against Ghana and Tunisia over the coming days.

However, the 24-year-old is expected to miss Friday night’s meeting with Ghana - according to a report in Brazilian outlet Globo.

The report has quoted Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar saying it will be ‘difficult’ for Guimaraes to appear in the game and explained he is ‘likely to be spared’ any action in the friendly, with an appearance in Tuesday’s meeting with Tunisia still a possibility.

The report goes on to state the Magpies star will be ‘evaluated day-by-day’ and the situation means Brazil manager Tite could ‘test alternatives’ in both friendly fixtures.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tite confirmed his starting lineup for the game and Guimaraes’ name was not in his starting eleven.

Former Magpies transfer target Lucas Paqueta will earn his 34th cap as he lines up alongside the likes of Barcelona star Raphinha and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.