Newcastle United head coach cautious over midfield duo’s fitness as injury outlook begins to brighten ahead of Liverpool clash
Eddie Howe will wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether Bruno Guimarães is fit to face Liverpool on Saturday, with the Newcastle midfielder still being monitored after an ankle injury.
Guimarães has not featured in Newcastle’s last two matches, sitting out the Premier League defeat to Aston Villa before remaining an unused substitute in Wednesday’s draw with Paris Saint Germain.
Although he travelled to with the squad to France, his involvement was limited, and Howe made clear that his condition remains uncertain.
“Slightly unknown at the moment,” Howe said when asked if Guimarães could return.
“He did really well to be with us in Paris and I think that’s more down to the fact that he was desperate to be there and support the players. We did very, very light training, he participated in that but it was next to nothing to be honest.
“He trained with us yesterday but that was more of a test so let’s see how he is today. This will be the day that we really decide.”
It’s mixed injury news for Liverpool ahead of their clash with Newcastle.
Arne Slot has provided updates on Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. https://t.co/NAqu4risyB #LFC #LFCNEW #FPL
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Howe offers encouraging updates on Joelinton and returning players
While Guimarães remains a doubt, Howe struck a more optimistic tone when discussing Joelinton’s recovery from a groin issue.
The midfielder sought specialist treatment immediately after the midweek European fixture, and the early signs suggest a quicker return than initially feared.
“He flew on to Barcelona after the game to get an injection into his groin,” Howe said.
“Good news with Joe. The specialist feels he only needs one injection and that means that his return could be quite quick, so we’re looking at weeks not months. Slightly unsure as to the exact date yet but positive news.”
There was also progress to report on Jacob Murphy and Will Osula, both of whom are edging closer to full fitness. Murphy, in particular, has taken an important step forward after completing his first full training session.
“He’s getting there,” Howe said. “He’s made some good progress in the last few days so yesterday was his first full training session. Again, another player that was there with us [against PSG], I was slightly reluctant to use him. I wanted to give him a little bit more time.”
Having clinched a Champions League playoff spot after drawing 1-1 away at PSG on Wednesday, Newcastle are set to face Liverpool on the road in their bid to get back to winning ways in the league following a 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa last weekend.