Eddie Howe speaks out about Newcastle United injuries including update on Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes had to go off before half-time as Newcastle United beat PSV 3-0 at St James' Park in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The skipper was in clear discomfort after picking up a knock on his ankle. The Brazilian tried to run it off, but after a couple of minutes, he signalled to the bench and his game was over.
If Bruno is asking to come off, you know something is wrong, so fans have understandably been on edge waiting for news on his injury and how long Newcastle may have to do without their captain.
Newcastle's record when Bruno hasn't played doesn't make for good reading, so everyone has their fingers crossed that it's just a short-term setback.
Eddie Howe hasn't ruled Bruno Guimaraes out of Sunday's game
Eddie Howe spoke to the media this morning ahead of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, and he gave an update on Bruno's injury, as well as speaking generally about the team's injury situation this season.
"I think with Bruno, we hope it is not serious. The extent of the injury is unknown. Speaking to him again, he is a guy we never rule out, so we will give him every chance this weekend. We will see.
"We will always try to make the right decision. To protect the long-term. We will try to do that, Bruno. He is a match-winner and an inspiration, so we need him. We will make all the calculations and come to the right decision.
"Our injury record this season is improved. Yes we have been hit with defensive injuries. But we have been happy with our treatment with injuries. Naturally, with the schedule we've had we are going to get injuries."
We really hope the club are sensible with the Bruno decison
As much as we'd love Bruno in the side for Sunday, we hope that Eddie Howe's words aren't hollow and they actually don't take any risks with him.
Bruno is the type of player who will say he's okay to play even if he's not 100%, so someone needs to step in and take that decision away from him.
We can handle a game at home in the Premier League without him, but we're going to need him for this awful run of away fixtures, which includes Champions League and a cup semi-final.
