Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has delivered a mixed injury bulletin ahead of his side's crucial Premier League encounter with Brentford this Saturday, with key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes potentially returning but winger Anthony Gordon likely to miss out.
Guimaraes Nearing Comeback After Ankle Layoff
Howe expressed optimism that Brazilian playmaker Bruno Guimaraes could be available for selection against Brentford, offering a much-needed boost to the Magpies' faltering campaign. Guimaraes has been sidelined for Newcastle's last four matches due to an ankle injury sustained during the Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven last month.
'He is getting closer,' Howe stated during his pre-match press conference on Friday. 'He did a training session on Wednesday when we were travelling and felt pretty good. So, I will see him today and fingers crossed he will be fit.'
The potential return of Guimaraes comes at a critical juncture for Newcastle, who have struggled significantly in his absence. The team is currently winless in their last four outings and has managed just a single victory across their previous seven games, a poor run that has seen them slide to 11th position in the Premier League table.
Gordon Set to Miss Brentford with Hamstring Issue
In less positive news, Howe confirmed that Anthony Gordon is expected to be unavailable for the weekend fixture after picking up a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City. The winger was forced off in the first half of that match and his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
'No major update on Anthony,' Howe admitted. 'I think there is every chance he will miss this game but we are hoping it is not a serious injury and he will be back pretty soon.'
Miley's Status Under Assessment
Howe also provided an update on young midfielder Lewis Miley, who was absent from the matchday squad during Newcastle's midweek fixture. While the manager sounded hopeful about Miley's potential involvement against Brentford, he emphasised that a final decision would depend on further medical assessment.
'We will find out today,' Howe explained. 'I am waiting on an update on him. Again, it's not a serious injury and we are hoping he will be back pretty soon.'
Howe Addresses Newcastle's Form Slump
The injury concerns come against the backdrop of Newcastle's disappointing recent form, which has seen them fall eight points adrift of the coveted top four positions. Howe acknowledged the challenges but insisted his squad remains fully committed to turning their fortunes around.
'My message is that we are fighting and I think you can see that on the pitch,' the Newcastle boss asserted. 'The players are giving me everything every two, three, four days to be successful. Wednesday was disappointing. We wanted to give it a really good fight, a really good effort to try and get into the final.'
Howe praised his team's resilience despite their recent setbacks, particularly highlighting their response after conceding early in their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat. 'The players were hugely motivated and then we concede early in the game and the game becomes very difficult, but credit to the players for the response in the second half. They kept going, kept trying to score and creating chances right through the game and now we have to do it again.'
The manager acknowledged the physical and mental toll on his squad during this challenging period. 'I can assure you that the players are maxed out physically and mentally and we obviously see them behind the scenes. That is the same with the staff, we are all trying for success. It doesn't always go in straight lines, there will be bumps in the road, as there has been this season, but we will give our all to get a positive outcome.'
Newcastle's encounter with Brentford represents an important opportunity to halt their slide and begin climbing back up the Premier League table, though they will likely have to do so without the services of Anthony Gordon and possibly other key players.
