Eddie Howe is going to have to make one change to his Newcastle United starting lineup against Bournemouth, and it is the one change he wishes he didn’t have to make.
While the Magpies have an incredible list of players who are out injured, they are also struggling with suspension. As well as Sandro Tonali being banned, Newcastle are set to be without Bruno Guimaraes on Saturday evening.
That is because the 25-year-old will be serving a one-game suspension. He picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during the 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend. In truth, he was lucky not to get sent off against the Gunners.
While he managed to avoid red, he still managed to pick up a card, meaning he will not be allowed to play against Bournemouth. That is a blow, and means that Eddie Howe will have to replace him in midfield.
That will be easier said than done, as Bruno is such a key player for the Magpies. He has started in every Premier League and Champions League game so far, while he has appeared off the bench in both Carabao Cup wins.
The Brazilian is absolutely pivotal to this Newcastle team, and Howe has bemoaned the fact that he is going to be unavailable at the Vitality Stadium.
Eddie Howe unsure how Newcastle will replace ‘unique’ Bruno Guimaraes
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Bournemouth, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about replacing Bruno in midfield due to his suspension.
“I don’t think you can replace Bruno with another Bruno,” he said.
“He’s got very unique qualities. I think he’s done very well this season. We’ll replace him with someone else with different qualities, but can still be a really effective player for us. I believe we can cope with his absence, but it will be hard because he’s such a big player for us.”
Newcastle have no one else like Bruno
While Newcastle have a lot of options in their squad, they do not have anyone who can do what Bruno does, other than the man himself.
As Howe says, he is completely unique, and that is why he is so important.
Sadly, he will not play against Bournemouth, which means someone else will have to play in the middle of Newcastle’s midfield trio.
Howe has a few options. Sean Longstaff did it at times last season, while Joelinton was also trialled in that role to allow Bruno to play further forward. Another option would be to start 17-year-old Lewis Miley, which would be my choice.
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