Newcastle United simply are not the same team without Bruno Guimaraes, which is why Eddie Howe is ecstatic to welcome him back for this weekend’s game against Chelsea.
The 26-year-old was nowhere to be seen during the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth during the international break. That is because he was suspended, having received his fifth booking of the season during the win over Arsenal.
Bruno was a huge miss at the Vitality Stadium, and the Newcastle midfield was noticeably weaker during his absence. That is no reflection on Lewis Miley’s performance, however, with the teenager doing well in place of the Brazilian.
But Newcastle are a much better team when Bruno plays, and Howe is delighted that his talisman is available for selection once again as his side prepare to welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe believes Bruno Guimaraes will give Newcastle a ‘massive lift’ against Chelsea
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Chelsea, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about Bruno’s importance to the team after they struggled without him at Bournemouth.
“I think he’s an outstanding player,” he said.
“You’re always going to miss a player of his technical ability, his enthusiasm. I think he’s a real catalyst with us for the supporters as well. An energiser with his attitude.
“You take that player away and I think there is a big hole.
“The other added thing for us is that we’re missing Sandro. We were stretched against Bournemouth so I think that hole that he [Bruno] left for that game was possibly even bigger.
“But him coming back into the squad is a massive lift. We certainly missed him.”
Bruno back in the Newcastle starting XI
With Bruno back from suspension, he will walk straight back into Eddie Howe’s starting XI. He came through the international break unscathed, despite starting twice for Brazil.
After two disappointing defeats, Bruno must turn his attention back to his domestic duties, as Newcastle prepare for a very challenging week.
We have three huge games on the horizon, and Howe will lean heavily on Bruno in a bid to get three positive results.
That will be extremely difficult, but, as Howe says, Bruno can be a catalyst for this team – especially at home.
Hopefully we see that in full force against Chelsea, as he prepares to play at St James’ Park for the first time since that battle with Arsenal.
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