Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe simply cannot afford to lose any more midfielders right now.
The Magpies are still without Sandro Tonali, who is suspended until August. It is also unclear when Joelinton will return, with fears that the Brazilian will not play again this season due to injury.
As for Joe Willock, he is still absent but is getting closer to a return, and the same goes for Elliot Anderson.
In the meantime, Eddie Howe has just three midfielders for his three-man midfield. They pick themselves, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley set to start together again on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.
Howe needs to keep them all fit and available, which is why there are concerns over Bruno’s discipline. The 26-year-old is one booking away from a two-game suspension, which would be a massive blow given how integral he is to the team.
Eddie Howe ‘desperate’ for Bruno Guimaraes to avoid suspension
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Nottingham Forest, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about Bruno’s yellow card tally and how it does not appear to be holding him back.
“I think he has to play on that line,” he said.
“I think he is the type of player that has to be emotional and committed to produce his best performance.
“He’ll be frustrated with some of the bookings he’s picked up this year. But that’s all part of the learning process.
“He’s in a dangerous place for us. We don’t want to lose him. We’re desperate for him to stay available, so hopefully he can keep his emotions under control and we can get through this period.”
Newcastle need Bruno to keep it clean
While Bruno continues to snap into tackles, I personally think he is playing with a bit more discipline. Like when he has been on a yellow in a game, he has been able to play in a more measured way to avoid further punishment.
He appears to be doing that from the first whistle right now, as it is the only way he is going to avoid getting a 10th yellow card of the season and a two-match ban.
It would be a huge blow if he were to get booked on Saturday, as it would rule him out of the home clash with Bournemouth and the trip to Arsenal. That game against the Gunners will certainly be intense if the reverse fixture is anything to go by.
While Howe believes that Bruno will be frustrated with some of the yellow cards he has received, there is nothing he can do about it now. He simply must focus on not getting another, as losing him for two Premier league games would be catastrophic given our current midfield shortage.
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