Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been ‘frustrated’ in the buildup to the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
Newcastle take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, with Bruno Guimaraes set to return from suspension.
The 25-year-old has missed the Magpies’ last three games after picking up a red card in the semi final win over Southampton.
He has been a big miss in the middle of the park, but the main thing is that he is back for the game at Wembley. He is our star player, and our chances of ending our trophy drought are much better with him in the starting lineup.
It is all but certain that Howe will recall Bruno to the starting XI on Sunday, and the Toon boss has commented on how the Brazilian has been feeling in the buildup to the final.
Bruno Guimaraes has been ‘frustrated’ during Carabao Cup buildup
Ahead of the game at Wembley, Howe has spoke to the media and was asked about the returning Bruno Guimaraes.
“He’s OK, he’s good,” Howe said, as reported by the Northern Echo.
“He’s been really disappointed to miss the last few games and has felt very frustrated not to help the team. But he’s back and in a good place.”
Eddie Howe needs Bruno against Manchester United
Bruno has been disappointed to miss Newcastle’s past three games, and his absence has certainly been felt. We have missed his presence at the heart of midfield.
The Magpies struggled without Bruno earlier in the season, and those woes continued due to his red card against the Saints. He has now missed six games during the current campaign, with Newcastle failing to win any of them.
Callum Wilson recently suggested that Bruno’s absence does not coincide with the club’s poor form, but it is clear we are a worse team without him.
Luckily, he is going to return for the biggest game in years. However, we will be without Nick Pope due to suspension. His red card against Liverpool means that Loris Karius will probably start at Wembley.
Gary Lineker had made a plea on Match Of The Day for Pope to be allowed to play, as his red card had came in the Premier League rather than the Carabao Cup. But his logic would mean that Bruno would miss the final, and he is arguably a more important player for Howe.
Bruno is available, re-energised and he will be desperate to impress after being forced to watch on from the sidelines.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
