Bruno Guimaraes ‘to miss’ Tyne-Wear derby as Newcastle suffer midfield blow | OneFootball

Newcastle United face a Tyne-Wear derby blow, with Bruno Guimaraes expected to miss the Sunderland clash on 22 March due to a hamstring problem, ESPN Brazil reports.

The Brazilian sustained the injury in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. He had initially been tipped to be out until after the March international break, which would also rule him out of the St James’ Park meeting.

The report said he has been working with Brazil’s medical staff at Atletico Mineiro and, rather than returning to England, will travel to Rio de Janeiro to continue his rehabilitation with Botafogo. The move followed a meeting on Tuesday with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Guimaraes is expected to remain in Brazil for around a month and could be sidelined for over two months in total. Crystal Palace away on 11 April has been identified as a possible return date, although that is uncertain.

Eddie Howe said the club and Brazil’s staff have aligned his programme, with an initial period away before a final four-week block back on Tyneside. He added the plan should provide a mental reset while he builds towards the last stage of recovery.

Since joining from Lyon in January 2022, Newcastle are still yet to win a Premier League match he has not played in.

Guimaraes featured in the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland late last year, settled by a Nick Woltemade own goal. Sunderland are now unbeaten in their past 10 league meetings with their rivals.

Source: Sunderland Echo