- Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes provides injury update
- Brazil international played longer than planned against Arsenal
- Brighton at St James’ Park up next for Magpies
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes confirmed that he felt ‘cramps all over my body’ in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday evening.
The Brazil international was handed his first start since early February due to a hamstring tear sustained in the 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. Guimaraes had returned to the bench against AFC Bournemouth but only saw 28 minutes from the bench in that fixture.
The midfielder’s return to the XI was a huge boost for an out-of-sorts Newcastle side. Guimaraes helped his side put in what was a controlled performance at the Emirates Stadium, even if Eddie Howe’s men lacked a clinical edge to get on the scoresheet.
Bruno Guimaraes confirms cramps at Arsenal
The Magpies were in dire need of a positive result, having now lost their last five matches across all competitions. As a result, Guimaraes pushed himself to play more minutes than initially planned.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Guimaraes admitted he was ‘greedy’ in pushing to stay on until the 75-minute mark, instead of coming off after 60. He said: “I think they’re programming a load control for me. I came back in the last game to play 30 (minutes), in this one I was supposed to play 60, I got greedy, ended up playing 75, but there came a point where I couldn’t take it anymore, cramps all over my body.”
It’s potentially worrying news for Guimaraes ahead of facing Brighton at St James’ Park on Saturday. There doesn’t appear to be any setback, but whether the player has recovered from those cramps fully to start the fixture remains to be seen.
Eddie Howe on Newcastle United star’s fitness
Speaking after the defeat to Arsenal, Howe had hinted at some cause for concern. He said: “I think he’s okay. I don’t know. I’ve not spoke to him directly. He’s walking a bit gingerly, but I think that’s expected because he’s missed so much football and today was a big effort for him. But I thought he was outstanding.
“Firstly, in his attitude to play the game, really, with minimal training time. But just the way he plays, the way he’s brave, he wants the ball. He changed the dynamic of the team totally and showed his qualities through.”
Guimaraes will hope to feature in the final four league matches for Newcastle ahead of a potential World Cup campaign with Brazil this summer.
Speaking about selection for that competition, Guimaraes said: “It’s difficult to say this, but it was actually important to have had a break, because we competed in every possible competition, there were so many games. Obviously, no player wants to be left out, but I believe that, for the World Cup, I will be at my best level.”
In other news, ‘So Much Potential’: Glenn Murray praises Newcastle United star despite 4/10 Arsenal display.
