Bruno Guimaraes injury update drops from Eddie Howe ahead of Bournemouth clash

Newcastle United take on Bournemouth at St James' Park on Saturday in a traditional 3pm kick-off with no UK TV coverage.

Eddie Howe needs a result to ease the pressure, not just on himself but on and around the entire club. The fanbase is not coping well after recent results, and only a win can heal those wounds.

Howe's best chance of picking up a good win on Saturday is having a fully fit squad at his disposal, but unfortunately, that's not realistic, so we've just got to hope for some good news on the injury front.

We're already going to be without Joelinton after he picked up his 10th booking of the season against Crystal Palace, which handed him a two-match suspension. So ideally, we'd like to welcome back Bruno Guimaraes for Saturday, but Howe said last week that would be unlikely.

Howe hoping to have Bruno back

One week on, Eddie Howe has met the media again, and his message this week is one of hope on the Brazilian’s return. 

Howe confirmed that Bruno is desperate to play, but the medical team are trying to prevent it.

“There is a chance he can be fit for the weekend. We have seen him in training; he is pushing really, really hard to be involved.

“I think the medical team are trying to hold him back. I say hold him back, there's always that fight because a player wants to play and I love that about Bruno. 

"He is desperate to help the team in this moment, desperate to be involved. So, there is a possibility, I will make a decision off the back of training today."

Is it worth the risk?

We always prefer that Howe and the players take the advice of the medical staff, but we may be willing to make an exception this time as we just need our captain back.

Newcastle is lacking leadership on the pitch; that much was clear last week, and we're also missing Bruno's creativity and determination in the middle of the park.

We'll be keeping everything crossed that he's involved.