Eddie Howe hints one Newcastle star could be dropped for important FA Cup clash vs Brighton

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe faced the press ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Brighton on Sunday.

The Magpies are looking to immediately bounce back from the defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night which saw them fail to register a shot on target without star striker Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United are just two wins away from a second appearance at Wembley Stadium in a season, something they have never done. By no means will it be easy, however, Newcastle have several injury problems including Isak who is struggling with a groin issue. Elsewhere, Sven Botman and Joelinton’s involvement against Brighton is still uncertain but they could feature after Eddie Howe revealed that they will be training on Friday ahead of the game.

Howe played Callum Wilson in attack alongside Anthony Gordon for the Liverpool game, a decision that could be seen as a smokescreen ahead of the Carabao Cup final in March.

With Newcastle preparing for their third game in seven days, Howe has commented on claims that one Toon star is in desperate need of a rest.

Eddie Howe hints at dropping Bruno Guimaraes for FA Cup clash

Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been a model captain for Newcastle since taking the armband at the beginning of the season. The Brazilian has played in all the Magpies Premier League games and featured in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Guimaraes is an integral part of Newcastle’s starting XI but recently it has looked like he needs time out of the squad to recharge his batteries. The 27-year-old was at fault for Liverpool’s opener on Wednesday night and didn’t look himself before being taken off before full-time. After the game, Howe subtly criticised Guimaraes for his poor performance alongside Sandro Tonali.

John Anderson blasted Guimaraes for his performance against Liverpool, claiming he has looked ‘poor for a while’.

Howe took his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s game on Friday morning, where he was asked about whether Guimaraes needs a rest having played so many games this season.

“Tiredness is a difficult one for me to measure,” Howe said.

“Only Bruno can truly do that, but he has had a very busy schedule.

“For a long time now he has played every week, every two or three days. He’s always been there for us. That’s the standout thing for Bruno he’s never shied away. He wants to play every minute of every game. He’s got a great passion for the game.

“His international schedule is also full and a lot of travelling within that as well so I think we need to protect our players at all times. He’s such a special talent.” 

Bruno Guimaraes’ busy season for Newcastle

With the number of minutes Guimaraes has played this season it’s no surprise that there are calls for him to be rested on Sunday.

Newcastle would not play another game for eight days after Sunday’s clash, so Guimaraes would have plenty of time to recharge his batteries ahead of the next Premier League games and the Carabao Cup final.

Howe could look to Lewis Miley who has been sensational in the limited minutes he has played this season. Pat Nevin praised Miley for his efforts during Newcastle’s win against Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.

The FA Cup game could also be the last chance to rest him before the end of the season as it is likely that he will link up with the Brazilian national team during the upcoming international break in March. Newcastle will be jetting off to Dubai for a warm-weather camp whereas Guimaraes will still be training hard and playing games.

Howe now has a big decision to make ahead of a big game on Sunday. Newcastle can surely do without Guimaraes for one match.