Despite an impending suspension, Eddie Howe wants to keep Bruno Guimaraes in his lineup and doesn’t want the Newcastle United midfielder to alter his style of play.
Bruno Guimaraes is treading on thin ice with his suspension status, yet Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe prefers the midfielder to maintain his playing style without alterations. With nine bookings in the current Premier League season, Guimaraes faces the risk of a two-game suspension if he receives one more yellow card. To steer clear of the double suspension, the Brazilian needs to complete the next nine matches without incurring any bookings.
The ex-Lyon player accumulated four yellow cards in consecutive games at the beginning of the year, being cautioned in clashes against Luton Town, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Manchester City. However, he has managed to play two consecutive games without receiving a yellow card. Eddie Howe is cognizant of the potential consequences for Bruno but has no intention of urging him to dampen his enthusiasm in the upcoming weeks.
The manager of the Magpies told reporters on Friday, “He has to play that way.” To provide his best performances, he needs to be emotionally invested and fully devoted.
“Some of the bookings he has received this year will irritate him. It’s a necessary component of learning. Indeed, we don’t want to lose him even though he is in a dangerous position. I’m hoping he can control his emotions so we can get through this phase.”
A suspension for Guimaraes would present another challenge for Howe in terms of player selection, adding to the ongoing issue of numerous injuries in the midfield. Recently, Newcastle has had only three available and fit midfielders in Bruno, Lewis Miley, and Sean Longstaff. The trio has consistently started together in recent matches.
Joe Willock is nearing a much-anticipated comeback, and Elliot Anderson has resumed training after an extended absence. Willock has been grappling with an Achilles problem, whereas Anderson sustained a peculiar back injury early in the season.
On the other hand, Joelinton, Guimaraes’ Brazilian counterpart, may not see action again this season. Additionally, the suspended Sandro Tonali is confirmed to be unavailable until the commencement of the 2024/25 campaign.