Eddie Howe says that Bruno Guimaraes could miss Newcastle United's trip to Anfield for the tough encounter against Jurgen Klopp's side.
The Brazil international was not in the squad for the 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers after suffering a niggle in training in the build-up to Sunday's match. And Liverpool could also come too soon for the South American star.
Howe said: "It's not a long-term injury, we hope to have him back in the next couple of games. "I think we missed him naturally as he's an outstanding player but Sean and the rest of the midfielders did a very good job."
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Howe though should be boosted by the availability of new signing Aleksandar Isak with the Sweden international travelling to Molineux but forced to watch on from the stands due to a delay in his paperwork coming through. Isak requires a work permit due to Home Office rules in the aftermath of Brexit.
The Newcastle boss had anxiously been waiting for news on international clearance for the striker to feature against Wanderers. But attention and focus now moves on to getting Isak ready for Liverpool.
With Callum Wilson sidelined with a hamstring problem, the Magpies had just one recognised striker in Chris Wood at Wolves.
Howe added: "We hope so, we had been waiting for it in the last couple of days but unfortunately it didn't arrive today."
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