Eddie Howe reveals whether Bruno Guimaraes could play for Newcastle vs Crystal Palace after injury

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Bruno Guimaraes ahead of facing Crystal Palace.

Bruno Guimaraes picked up an injury against West Ham during the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat, with the midfielder coming off in the 84th minute.

Following the game, Bruno told supporters he hoped his injury was not serious, as Newcastle United fans sweated on an official update from the club.

One arrived on Wednesday evening, with Newcastle’s training photos not including Bruno.

That cast doubt over his availability for Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace, and now Eddie Howe has commented on the 27-year-old’s situation.

Positive Bruno Guimaraes injury update

Ahead of Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media.

The Newcastle United manager has admitted that Bruno has a chance of featuring on Saturday, with the Brazil international avoiding a serious injury. The same goes for Joe Willock, who also came off against West Ham with an injury problem.

“They have a chance to play,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.

“They’re not serious injuries. We’ll make a decision today.”

What this means for Newcastle United against Crystal Palace

With Bruno in contention to feature against Crystal Palace, Howe is presented with a difficult decision.

If Bruno were to be unavailable, Sandro Tonali would be the obvious choice to replace him.

However, the Newcastle boss may now have to decide whether to risk Bruno and keep him in the starting XI or preserve him and drop him to the bench. In turn, that would give Tonali the chance to show what he is capable of as a ‘number six’ in the Premier League.

Personally, the latter might be a better option, especially with Liverpool looming in midweek. The Magpies face the Reds at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, and Howe could be minded to hold Bruno back for that fixture.

It would not be the biggest risk in the world, as he has an elite replacement on standby in Sandro Tonali. If anything, it would highlight the strength in depth that Newcastle have in midfield, while it would also prove to Bruno that he is not irreplaceable.