- Newcastle duo could face Crystal Palace
- Eddie Howe needs a strong finish to season
- The Magpies still have European qualification hopes
Newcastle United have endured several injuries in recent weeks, contributing to a run of poor results. Eddie Howe will be pleased to know club captain Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley are expected to be back against Crystal Palace.
Both Guimaraes and Miley are closing in on returns to action and could be available for the Palace encounter on April 12th. The duo have been missed amid a crisis which included a 2-1 defeat at home to Sunderland before the international break.
They have been out of the side since February, but both coming back will add much-needed depth and quality to Howe’s team as they look to put recent defeats behind them and push on to claim a European spot.
Newcastle handed huge boost
Guimaraes and Miley have been huge losses for Howe, with both putting in great performances this season. Miley suffered a dead leg in their 1-1 draw away at Champions League holders PSG, while Guimaraes picked up a hamstring injury in a win over Tottenham.
The Magpies manager was hoping for the teenager to be involved in their clash against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, but it came too early for Miley.
Since Guimaraes’ injury, the Black and Whites have set up differently, with either Jacob Ramsey or Nick Woltemade being included in the starting XI.
Neither has been able to step into the dominant role that the 28-year-old is able to compete in, so he is expected to return straight to the starting XI.
Miley will likely compete with Ramsey and Woltemade for a place as the first option off the bench for the midfield trio of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
The Toon Army will be hopeful that their additions to the squad can help the St James’ Park outfit finish the season strong.
A different summer for midfield pair
Newcastle have had a difficult season, with no improvement from the 2024/25 campaign, which was special for Magpie supporters. Both midfielders will be hoping to make an impact and help their side climb the table in the final few games, but there is a lot to suggest things will be very different for the pair this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Miley is set to be rewarded with a new deal at the club for his continued hard work year-on-year.
He has made 19 Premier League appearances this season and seems to be growing in importance under the English boss.
While Guimaraes has had an incredible campaign on Tyneside, with 14 goal contributions in 23 league games, there is a suggestion that this could be the end of his time in the Northeast.
He has been linked heavily to league rival Manchester United, alongside his teammate Tonali. Light will shine more brightly on their futures in the coming weeks, but for now, their focus remains on making sure the Magpies finish the season in style.
