Bruno Guimaraes injury boost ahead of Bournemouth clash

One thing that Newcastle United was really missing during their dismal display against Crystal Palace on Sunday was leadership.

Kieran Trippier sat the game out, as did Dan Burn, while Bruno Guimaraes remained sidelined after a bout of mumps pushed back his return date, which left captain duties to fall to Jacob Murphy.

There were a lot of things wrong with the performance on Sunday, but Jacob Murphy's questionable leadership came under a lot of scrutiny.

Murphy failed to perform his captain's duty to speak to the referee when Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman were trying to protest the latter's innocence following the award of the late penalty. It wouldn't have made any difference, but he needs to be seen to be earning the armband.

Bruno Guimaraes could return on Saturday

With Bournemouth coming to St James' Park on Saturday, we'll all be hoping that we have a captain up to the task on the field.

Craig Hope has revealed in his Newcastle Confidential column for the Daily Mail that Bruno Guimaraes now has a chance to be involved on Saturday after it was initially thought he'd almost certainly miss out.

Hope does say that it's more likely the Brazilian will be on the bench rather than starting, but even knowing he's there to be called upon will be a huge boost, and boy, do we need a boost right now.

There could/should be a few changes on Saturday

We'd be surprised if Murphy keeps the armband on Saturday. In truth, we'd be surprised if he even starts the game, as it wasn't just his leadership that was poor on Sunday; his whole performance was way below par.

If Bruno isn't fit enough to start, we may see Dan Burn recalled to the team to wear the armband, or the outgoing Kieran Trippier may be recalled after a shaky game by Tino Livramento at Selhurst Park.

Whatever happens, change is definitely needed. If Bruno Guimaraes can prove his fitness in the next 24 hours, then maybe he will start, which would be massive.