Bruno Guimaraes is facing a race against time to be fit for Newcastle United's double-header with Southampton later this month. The Brazilian suffered an ankle injury during the 1-0 win over Fulham, tearfully limping off at half-time after initially soldering on before the interval.
Guimaraes left St James' Park in a protective boot arousing fears among supporters. However, the midfielder's scan results show he will miss weeks rather than months in a huge boost to Eddie Howe.
The race is now on to see if Guimaraes will be fit enough for the Carabao Cup semi-finals on January 24 and January 31. The former Lyon star is set to miss the trip to Crystal Palace this weekend as Newcastle look to continue their fine league form.
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Joelinton is expected to drop back into midfield alongside Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff. Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to return to Howe's starting XI on the left of the front three.
The fact Guimaraes is only facing a short period on the sidelines may mean Newcastle feel less pressure to dip into the transfer market for another midfielder. Howe admitted the club would wait for the chance to assess the injury before making a judgment on whether to alter their transfer plans.
"We’re light in midfield, there's no doubt about that. Today we were missing Elliot [Anderson] as well – who's another player who can play in there – with, we think, a minor calf problem. We'll get the diagnosis on Bruno's injury, and then make a decision.
Taking to social media after the game, Bruno posted on social media: "Very sad about today’s injury. Hopeful it’s nothing serious and that I can do what I love most as soon as possible."
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