Newcastle's Shocking Fitness Updates: Will Key Stars Guimaraes and Gordon Miss the Season?

Eddie Howe, the head coach of Newcastle United, expressed optimism about the return of star player Bruno Guimaraes after the upcoming international break. Guimaraes, a key figure in the squad, will be back in Newcastle on Monday and has plans to support his teammates during their match against Barcelona. Howe noted, “We hope that he won’t be too far away. Once he’s back with us we’ll have to assess him. I know he’s been working incredibly hard on his rehab with the Brazilian national team physios and doctors so I think he’ll be in a good place.”

Guimaraes' absence has been felt deeply by the club, underlining his significance in the squad. As Howe mentioned, “He’s such a big player so I’d like to think by the time the international break is ended he’ll be back fit and available.” His return is essential for Newcastle as they navigate a tough schedule, including their Champions League campaign.

Howe also addressed speculation regarding Anthony Gordon, who was unable to start in the recent game against Barcelona due to illness. “He was absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona. I know there’s a lot of comments but it was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he’d been ill that morning and hadn’t attended the training session,” Howe clarified. This kind of decision-making is crucial, as player health must be prioritized, especially during high-stakes matches.

Another player, Yoane Wissa, remains a figure of interest as he works to make an impact following his signing. Howe stated, “Yoane is fit. Probably fitter than at any stage in his time with us.” This is a positive sign for Newcastle, as they look for depth and performance from all squad members. Howe emphasized that the challenge for Wissa is to perform when given the opportunity, stating, “when introduced and on the pitch, he’s got to perform, and that will be the same for every player in the squad.”

In contrast, Lewis Miley continues to recover from a leg injury that has kept him sidelined for the last 11 games. When asked about Miley’s potential return for the second leg against Barcelona, Howe expressed cautious optimism. “We were hoping that he’d be fit for that game and I don’t actually know if that’s deviated at all. He’s not training with the group currently. He’s on the grass running again and working incredibly hard but all the feedback I’ve had from the medical team is we just have to be careful with his injury and we don’t want it to turn into something a lot more serious.”

This careful management of injuries is crucial for Newcastle as they strive to balance a competitive squad and the potential for long-term issues. Howe acknowledges the frustration surrounding Miley’s prolonged absence, stating, “It’s gone on longer than anyone would have hoped but the main thing is that he comes back fit.”

As Newcastle approaches the next phase of their season, the return of key players like Guimaraes and the ongoing rehabilitation of others highlight the importance of squad depth and health management. Howe’s focus on player welfare indicates a strategic approach to maintaining performance levels while navigating the challenges of a demanding football calendar.