Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is ‘fully fit’ to face Aston Villa despite suffering an injury scare ahead of last weekend’s game against Brentford.
Bruno twisted his ankle during the warmup, and was given painkillers to get through the game. They clearly made a difference, as he played the full 90 minutes to help Newcastle win 2-1.
The 25-year-old has had a recurring ankle problem for a while now, having twisted it badly in the win over Fulham back in January. That incident reduced him to tears, but he was remarkably fit enough to play the following week. However, it then forced him off in the Carabao Cup final, and it appears to have flared up again.
Despite this, Toon boss Eddie Howe has stated that Bruno is fine, and has confirmed that he is fit for the game at Villa Park.
Eddie Howe believes Bruno Guimaraes is over ankle injury for now
Howe has spoke to the media ahead of the trip to Villa Park, and was asked about Bruno’s ankle problems.
“You can twist your ankle quite badly,” he said.
“You can be really sorely initially, then it calms down and you’re good to play.
“There’s obviously a slight concern there with him [Bruno] twisting it and tweaking it, but he’s in good hands with the medical team. They’ve checked him, they’re happy with it. At the moment, he’s fully fit.”
Something for Newcastle staff to look at come the end of the season
Given the number of times that Bruno has suffered with an ankle problem, it is quite clear that something isn’t right. However, he is too valuable to be taken out of the side.
Howe believes he is fine, although Bruno has admitted that he is ‘not happy’ with his ankle. However, he has also stated that it is something he will look at once the season comes to an end.
If the injury is manageable then this is the right plan of action. Providing he is not playing through the pain barrier too much or risking an even worse injury, waiting until the end of the season is the best thing to do.
That way the club and Bruno can decide whether he needs further treatment, or if he merely needs an extended break – which he will be afforded due to the season coming to an end.
But with nine games to go and the Champions League within our grasp, there is no way that Bruno will want to miss any minutes, and he will almost certainly start at Villa Park.
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