Guimaraes Expected to Miss Two Months Due to Injury

Injury Update on Newcastle’s Star Midfielder

Newcastle United’s captain, Bruno Guimaraes, is facing a challenging period as he is anticipated to be sidelined for approximately two months following a hamstring injury. The Brazilian midfielder expressed his deep disappointment after sustaining the injury towards the end of the recent 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, marking only his second match back after previously recovering from an ankle injury.

Coaching Staff Comments

Head coach Eddie Howe noted Guimaraes’s concern since he had never previously suffered from hamstring issues. Following the team’s FA Cup win against Aston Villa, Howe mentioned that while Guimaraes will strive to return sooner, the recovery timeline is set and cannot be expedited.

“I think it will take a couple of months,” Howe stated. “We’re likely looking at the end of the international break in March for his return. It’s certainly a setback for us, especially at a crucial point in the season, and he’s understandably devastated about it.”

Team Dynamics in Guimaraes’s Absence

Howe emphasized the need for other players to rise to the occasion in Guimaraes’s absence. During the match against Aston Villa, players such as Nick Woltemade, Jacob Ramsey, and Sandro Tonali exhibited excellent performances, which will be critical as Newcastle moves forward.

Currently, Tonali, Joe Willock, and Ramsey are the only senior central midfielders available for selection. However, the club hopes to see Joelinton back from a groin injury shortly, alongside expectations that Lewis Miley will recover soon from a dead leg.

Impact of Guimaraes’s Absence

Newcastle’s performance record highlights Guimaraes’s importance to the team. He has been instrumental in their successes, contributing to a win percentage of 53.1% when he is on the pitch. Contrarily, in the last ten Premier League matches where Guimaraes did not play since his debut in February 2022, the team has failed to secure any victories.

Furthermore, during games with Guimaraes, Newcastle averages 1.8 points per match, scores 1.9 goals, and concedes just 1.2 goals per game, illustrating his significant influence on the squad’s overall performance.