Eddie Howe has confirmed Bruno Guimaraes is in “a good place” but has very been “very frustrated” ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
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The Brazilian – Newcastle’s star player – has missed the last three games following his straight red card during the semi-final win over Southampton last month.
In his absence, Howe’s team have failed to win and Jonjo Shelvey’s departure to Nottingham Forest has left midfield options very light indeed. While there is a hope Joelinton and Joe Willock will be fit for Sunday’s trip to Wembley, the fact there is even a slight chance they won’t is hardly ideal.
Having Guimaraes available again, however, is the biggest boost Newcastle could ask for. A standout all-action presence in the middle of the park, his impact on the team simply cannot be understated.
What has Howe said about Guimaraes?
Speaking on Tuesday (via the Northern Echo), Howe said: “He’s OK, he’s good.
“He’s been really disappointed to miss the last few games and has felt very frustrated not to help the team. But he’s back and in a good place.”
How should Newcastle lineup in the Carabao Cup final?
Should Joelinton and Willock make the game, perhaps it would make sense to revert to the system Newcastle deployed during their best run of the season.
That involved Guimaraes sitting alongside Sean Longstaff and Willock in midfield, with Joelinton out on the left. That might be harsh on Allan Saint-Maximin given his performance against Liverpool but, on the balance of the season, it’s not as if the Frenchman has done enough to command a regular starting berth.
Brilliant in both legs of the semi-final, Guimaraes ranks within the top five of Newcastle’s squad for both goals (3) and assists (3) this season, as well as for tackles (2.2), interceptions (1.2), key passes (1.1) and dribbles (1.2) on a per-game basis.
That kind of impact simply cannot be missed.
Having him back in the squad is an almighty boost.
Stats via WhoScored
