Bruno Guimaraes reveals fitness battle and reflects on tough season

Bruno Guimaraes returned to the starting lineup for Newcastle United on Saturday and made a huge difference to the look of the team.

The Brazilian had missed 10 weeks of action after picking up a hamstring injury and contracting mumps during his rehabilitation.

Bruno made his return to action as a substitute against Bournemouth last week and instantly improved how the team was playing, although he couldn't have many it any worse to be fair.

On Saturday, the captain was in from the start against Arsenal, and the Magpies looked like a much-improved side, albeit one that still lacks that killer instinct in front of goal. Newcastle were beaten on the day, but there were more positives to take away from that game than all the previous four combined.

Bruno admits Newcastle haven't been good enough this season

Usually, after a defeat, social media is pretty quiet as far as the players are concerned, but Bruno Guimaraes posted on Instagram to speak about his joy at being back in the team while also acknowledging the team's poor form.

"Happy to be starting a match again after a long time out. I’m not yet at my best physical level, but we’ll get there. I think today the desire to win was there, and I believe we deserved more. 

"We know we haven’t been good enough this season, and that’s something that really frustrates us and something we should have improved a long time ago. Four games left for us to finish as best as possible."

At least someone cares

We've certainly missed Bruno's positive updates after a win. It feels like an eternity since we last saw one, but at least we're getting something from the skipper in the wake of a defeat now.

For too long this season, it has felt like those inside the club, be it players, the manager and his coaches or whoever, were blind to the problems on the pitch. We know they weren't, obviously, but nobody had really come out and faced it. Even Eddie Howe would dance around it in interviews.

Top marks to Bruno for admitting that we haven't been good enough and it least sounding like he cares and wants to put it right.

There are four games left, and with Bruno back, we're starting to get a bit of belief back that we may pick up another point yet.