Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on the fitness of midfielder Bruno Guimarães ahead of the club’s crucial UEFA Champions League clash against FC Barcelona. Softfootball reports.
Speaking via the club’s official X channel, Howe confirmed that Guimarães will travel with the squad to Barcelona for the second-leg tie scheduled for March 18, 2026, but will not feature in the match as he continues his recovery from injury. The Brazilian midfielder is instead expected to make a full return after the upcoming international break.
They shared:
Eddie Howe on Bruno Guimarães: “Bruno is back on Monday, his plan is he wants to come to Barcelona, not in a playing capacity, but to support the lads. He has been working incredibly hard on his recovery; I’d like to think by the time the international break has ended he will be back ready for us.”
Guimarães suffered a hamstring tear during Newcastle’s 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on February 11, 2026, a setback that has sidelined the influential captain during a critical phase of the season. His absence was particularly noticeable during the 1–1 draw in the first leg at St. James’ Park this week, where Newcastle had to cope without their main creative engine in midfield.
Guimarães has been a central figure in the club’s recent rise, contributing leadership and technical quality as the team pushes for progression in Europe.
As earlier reported, Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to include Gabriel Sara in the preliminary squad for the Brazil national football team ahead of upcoming international friendlies.
