Eddie Howe Offers Update on Bruno Guimarães Ahead of Crystal Palace Clash

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Bruno Guimarães, indicating the Brazilian midfielder has “a chance” to feature against Crystal Palace this weekend. Guimarães is set to undergo an assessment at the club’s Benton training ground after sustaining a glute injury during Monday’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham at St. James’ Park.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe explained, “Physically, he felt a muscle problem, but fingers crossed he is improving. They (Guimarães and Joe Willock) have a chance to play. They’re not serious injuries. We’ll make a decision today.”

Guimarães, who captains Newcastle, appeared fatigued during the match and was at fault for a mistake that led to West Ham’s second goal. When asked whether the pressures of captaining Newcastle and representing Brazil internationally were affecting the midfielder, Howe defended his player’s resilience.

“Mentally, I think Bruno has been really strong. He’s had a lot to cope with,” Howe said. “Never underestimate the impact of playing for a country like Brazil. There’s intense pressure, a lot of travel, and then he comes back here as captain, which is also a big demand. But he has relished that. It’s been a period of adjustment, but challenges like Monday test his leadership and resilience.”

Joe Willock, who also exited the West Ham match prematurely, has been involved in training this week. Howe elaborated on Willock’s situation, saying, “Joe took a nasty whack trying to block a shot just above the ankle. He lost some feeling in his leg for a while, but it looks like he has improved quickly.”

The manager also confirmed that Lewis Miley would feature for Newcastle’s second string against Crystal Palace at Whitley Park, suggesting the young midfielder will not travel with the first team. Howe expressed hope that Guimarães or Willock would be fit to avoid the need for further squad adjustments.

Reflecting on the West Ham loss, Howe kept his comments brief: “I thought it was a disjointed last half an hour. The first 60 minutes were pretty good. I had no complaints with the performance, but with the chances we didn’t take.”