Newcastle United have been dealt a significant blow as their captain and influential midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, has been ruled out of the crucial Premier League encounter against Liverpool on Saturday evening. The Brazilian star is sidelined due to an ankle injury that has disrupted his recent participation.
Injury Timeline and Recent Absences
The ankle issue first emerged during Newcastle's Champions League fixture against PSV last week, forcing Guimaraes to miss the subsequent 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa. In a show of commitment, he travelled with the squad for the midweek Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, where the game ended in a 1-1 draw. However, he remained an unused substitute on the bench, indicating his fitness was not yet at a competitive level.
Howe's Pre-Match Comments on Fitness Doubts
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed uncertainty about Guimaraes's availability for the trip to Anfield. He provided detailed insights into the player's recovery process, highlighting the cautious approach being taken.
'It's slightly unknown at the moment,' Howe admitted. 'I'd say he did really well to be with us in Paris – I think that was down to the fact he was desperate to be there and to support the players.'
Howe elaborated on the training regimen, noting: 'He did very, very light training, he participated in that but it was next to nothing, to be honest. He trained with us yesterday but that was more of a test so we'll see how he is today. This will be the day really where we decide.'
Confirmed Team News for Liverpool vs Newcastle
With Guimaraes absent, Newcastle have named their starting lineup and substitutes for the match. The teams are as follows:
Liverpool: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike
Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Chiesa, Jones, Robertson, Nyoni, Ramsay, Nallo, Ngumoha
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Ramsey; Barnes, Gordon, Elanga
Subs: Ramsdale, Botman, Wissa, Osula, J. Murphy, Woltemade, A. Murphy, Shahar, Miley
The absence of Guimaraes is a notable setback for Newcastle, as his creativity and leadership in midfield are often pivotal to their performance. Fans and pundits will be closely monitoring his recovery timeline, with hopes for a swift return to action in upcoming fixtures.
