Newcastle have to get call right with 'inspirational' Guimaraespublished at 11:53 GMT
Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThere is a reason head coach Eddie Howe will give Bruno Guimaraes every chance to prove his fitness for Newcastle United's game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
"He's an inspirational figure," Howe said of his captain on Friday.
Guimaraes picked up an ankle knock following a collision with PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Matej Kovar in Newcastle's 3-0 win in the Champions League.
Although the Brazilian attempted to play on, after receiving some treatment, he eventually signalled to come off.
Newcastle were already on course for victory by then, but to say Guimaraes is this side's talisman would be an understatement.
Remarkably, since making his full debut nearly four years ago, Newcastle have not won a league game without the midfielder in their starting line-up.
"I wondered how long it would be before that one came up," Howe smiled.
No wonder, then, the head coach has not ruled Guimaraes out for the weekend.
But Newcastle also have to tread carefully, knowing there are other huge games to come, including a trip to the Parc des Princes to take on European champions Paris St-Germain next week.
Newcastle then face Liverpool at Anfield before playing Manchester City in the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Etihad.
"We will try to get that right with Bruno," Howe added. "He's a pivotal player, he's been the match-winner for us so many times over the years.
"We need him, but we also need him fit and available and able to perform at his best levels so we will try to make all the calculations and come up with the right decision."



























