Bruno Guimaraes could return to the Newcastle squad this weekend after over two months out | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has a chance of returning to the squad this weekend after over two months out of action, according to Craig Hope.

Guimaraes has been out of action since early February due to a hamstring injury, leaving Newcastle short in the engine room during a key stretch of the season.

The Geordies will be happy to have their captain back for this run-in as they bid to secure a European slot in the final six games of the season, despite sitting in 14th.

The Brazilian international is a key player for Eddie Howe and has been particularly missed in the past three games.

Howe has tried different combinations in the engine room, but they have all failed woefully.

The Toons have lost three on the spin, recording only one win in their last six outings.

Guimaraes will likely start from the bench when Newcastle host Bournemouth at St James’ Park this weekend.

Hopefully, he can get some playing time towards the end of the game.

Off the pitch, there has also been noise surrounding Guimaraes’ future, with reports in Brazil linking him to a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

However, those claims have little substance. Newcastle have no intention of selling their skipper, particularly not to a Saudi-owned club, per the report.

Given the club’s ownership structure and UEFA’s financial regulations, there is no incentive to sanction such a deal.

Profits from transfers involving PIF-linked entities would not be recognised in the same way.

As it stands, Guimaraes remains central to Newcastle’s project and leadership group.

Only a significant structural change, such as Saudi clubs operating independently of PIF, would alter that stance.

Guimaraes is not for sale, and his immediate focus will be on helping the side rediscover form in the closing weeks of the campaign.