Results have picked up for Newcastle United of late, with the Toon managing to win three matches in a row against Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa in recent weeks.
Kieran Trippier has been an integral part of how Eddie Howe's men have experienced an upturn in form, but the English right-back looks set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Magpies boss said that Trippier underwent successful surgery on Thursday, and is confident he'll play again before the end of the season.
Since moving to Tyneside, the England international has contributed greatly to United's efforts on the pitch. His two goals from direct free kicks have assumed the spotlight but under the radar, he's offered a means of getting forward for Howe.
A progressive pass is defined by StatsBomb as 'a completed pass that move the ball towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its furthest point in the last six passes, a or completed pass into the penalty box'.
Trippier has completed 16 progressive passes since returning to English shores, meaning he's averaging around 4.6 per 90 based on his limited number of minutes so far.
4.6 progressive passes per 90 places him top of Howe's squad this season, ahead of Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Richie, Jacob Murphy and Sean Longstaff. He's provided United with an avenue forward, and he offered similar perks at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone.
Without him in the team, the Toon will lose a proven means of getting from A to B, but Bruno Guimaraes could be the man to compensate for Trippier's loss.
The Brazilian has barely featured since signing from Lyon for around £35m in the winter window. Howe has been keen to let him acclimatise behind the scenes before stepping on the field.
"Bruno will start a lot of games for us and will be a huge player," said Howe on Friday. "I don't think this period where he's watching and learning from the Premier League is a bad thing for him, although it will frustrate him because he wants to show his talent."
Guimaraes was a master at getting the ball forward in Ligue 1. He accumulated 144 progressive passes in the French top-flight this season before moving to England in January, which placed him top of the division.
He offers his progression from central midfield rather than operating as a right-back, but with Trippier out of the team, now could be the perfect time to introduce him to proceedings.
By fielding Guimaraes, Howe would ensure that one of Trippier's primary qualities is recouped elsewhere.
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