Newcastle star devastated by major injury to Bruno Guimarães as two more first team players join mounting casualty list that includes Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Tino Livramento and Fabian Schär
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Bruno Guimarães will miss approximately two months of action after suffering a hamstring injury during Newcastle’s 1-2 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
The Brazilian star faces a spell on the sidelines until the end of March’s international break, ruling him out of crucial Champions League fixtures, FA Cup ties, and the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
ESPN Brazil initially reported the injury would sideline Guimarães for eight to 10 weeks, a timeline Howe essentially confirmed on Friday evening.
“Yeah, I think he will be but I think the timeframe will be the timeframe really on this injury,” Howe said.
“I don’t think there’s any miracle cure for him. I think it will be a couple of months, as you say, we’re probably looking at the end of the international break in March for his return.
“Massive blow for us, key stage of the season, he’s devastated but it is what it is, we can’t do anything about it, we just have to try and get him back safely and other players have to step up in his absence and I thought they did that today.”
First major injury in decade crushes Guimarães
The personal toll on Guimarães became clear through his Instagram post Friday, where he revealed this represents his first significant injury layoff in a decade-long professional career. That remarkable durability record makes the current setback even more difficult to accept.
“As previously reported, for the first time in 10 years of my career, I will have to spend some time away from the pitch,” Guimarães wrote.
“I’m very saddened, but certain that God knows all things. A muscle injury will keep me out for a few weeks, but it will help strengthen me and ensure I’m even more prepared for what lies ahead. Thank you all for the support, messages and concern. See you soon.”
His absence leaves a gaping hole in Newcastle’s midfield, removing their most creative passer and tactical organiser at precisely the moment they need him most.
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Champions League matches against Qarabag and potential last-16 ties will proceed without him, as will FA Cup fifth round action and possibly quarter-finals if Newcastle advance that far.
The Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland represents another high-profile casualty, depriving Guimarães of the opportunity to feature in one of English football’s most passionate local rivalries.
Botman and Wissa join mounting injury crisis
Guimarães’ extended absence represents just one element of Newcastle’s growing injury crisis. Howe confirmed Saturday that Sven Botman missed the FA Cup fourth round win over Aston Villa due to another back problem, the second time this season such issues have sidelined the Dutch defender just as he was rediscovering peak form.
And on top of that, Yoane Wissa is expected to be miss at least the next two games.
“Yeah, I’m not 100 per cent sure on both,” Howe said on Botman and Wissa.
“Sven’s feeling is back from the game against Tottenham. We don’t think it’s a serious injury. We certainly hope he won’t be out for any period of time. It was the right decision not to let him travel today.
“Yoane picked up a knock in training yesterday, again, we don’t think it’s serious, but he may miss a couple of games. Let’s wait and see.”
Lewis Miley continues managing a dead leg that’s kept him out recently, though his situation appears less serious than the others.
Meanwhile, Joelinton edges closer to returning after missing several weeks, providing at least one positive development amidst the accumulating bad news.
Tino Livramento targets next month for his comeback after recently returning to grass work during rehabilitation. However, Fabian Schär won’t return until April, whilst Emil Krafth remains absent with no clear timeline for his availability.
