Bruno Guimaraes has not been ruled out of Newcastle United’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Brazil international was forced off with an ankle injury in the closing stages of the first half during Newcastle 3-0 win over PSV in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Bruno’s right ankle looked severely swollen in a photo of Newcastle’s players celebrating in the dressing room after the win against PSV, raising doubts over the midfielder’s availability for the game against Villa this weekend.
But speaking during his press conference on Friday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes Bruno remains in contention to play against Villa but has warned that they will not take any risks with the 28-year-old’s injury.
‘We hope it is not serious, extent of the injury is still unknown,’ Howe said.
‘He was reasonably positive after the game, he is the guy that will never rule anything out, we are going to give him every chance for this weekend.
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‘We will try and make the right decision with Bruno, he is a pivotal player.
‘We will always try to make the right decision. To protect the long-term.
‘We will try to do that, Bruno. He is a match-winner and an inspiration, so we need him.
‘We will make all the calculations and come to the right decision.’
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