Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has not been definitively ruled out of this weekend's crucial Premier League encounter against Aston Villa, despite suffering an ankle injury during the midweek Champions League victory.
Injury Scare During Champions League Triumph
The Brazilian international was forced to leave the pitch in the closing stages of the first half during Newcastle's impressive 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night. Concerns were immediately raised when a photograph from the post-match dressing room celebrations showed Guimaraes with a visibly swollen right ankle, casting significant doubt over his availability for the upcoming domestic fixture.
Howe's Cautious Optimism
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe offered a cautiously optimistic assessment. While confirming that the full extent of the injury remains unknown, Howe emphasized that the 28-year-old playmaker remains in contention for selection against Villa.
'We hope it is not serious,' stated Howe. 'The extent of the injury is still unknown. He was reasonably positive after the game. Bruno is the type of player who will never rule anything out, and we are going to give him every chance to be available this weekend.'
Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Welfare
Howe made it clear that the club's medical and coaching staff will take a measured approach, prioritizing the player's long-term health over short-term gains. 'We will try to make the right decision with Bruno,' he explained. 'He is a pivotal player for us. We will always try to make the right decision to protect his long-term fitness.'
The manager highlighted Guimaraes' importance to the team, describing him as both a match-winner and an inspiration. 'We need him,' Howe acknowledged, 'but we will make all the necessary calculations and come to the right decision for both the player and the club.'
The situation presents a significant dilemma for Newcastle as they prepare for a vital Premier League match. Losing a player of Guimaraes' calibre would be a substantial blow, yet risking further injury could have more severe consequences for the remainder of the season. The club's medical team will continue to assess the midfielder's condition in the coming hours before a final decision is made regarding his participation against Aston Villa.
