Newcastle United’s win over Arsenal came at a cost.
While it was brilliant to see Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal survive three VAR checks, Newcastle are still dealing with a number of injury worries.
Indeed, Jacob Murphy was again forced off just minutes after coming on, while Dan Burn was also replaced at half-time with a back problem.
Away from the injuries, there was another big moment.
Bruno Guimaraes escaped any punishment after appearing to leave one in on Jorginho but was eventually booked in the second-half.
That yellow card has duly ruled him out of the game against Bournemouth, something Eddie Howe was unhappy with.
Bruno Guimaraes: Eddie Howe responds to Newcastle midfielder’s suspension
Speaking after the game, Howe confirmed he was frustrated at the decision to book the Brazil international, describing his upcoming absence as a “massive blow”.
“I was frustrated – not so much with Bruno. With the decision as Bruno was ahead of the player and he was away and he gets booked for it,” he told The Chronicle.
“I need to see it again. But my natural reaction was that wasn’t a booking and I thought there were a lot of needless yellow cards today which in our position is tough as we have very few players fit and available.
“We can’t pick up suspensions. So to lose Bruno in any game is a massive blow for us but we have to deal with it.”
Bruno Guimaraes: Newcastle’s record without midfielder
Newcastle’s record without Guimaraes is not exactly brilliant.
The 25-year-old missed six games last season and the team did not win any of them. That is a major concern heading into a fixture Howe will be expected to win.
Still, hopefully the squad is stronger now. Though Sandro Tonali will not be available, the likes of Joe Willock, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff are all in excellent form in the middle of the park as things stand.
It will not be easy without Guimaraes but Bournemouth aren’t exactly pulling up any trees themselves.
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