Bruno Guimaraes' injury status 'still unknown' ahead of Aston Villa clash

Bruno Guimaraes' participation in Newcastle United's match against visiting Aston Villla on Sunday is still up in the air, according to manager Eddie Howe.

The Brazilian had to leave Newcastle's 3-0 victory over PSV earlier this week with an apparent ankle injury, and his absence would be a massive blow as the Magpies look to climb into the European places.

"We hope it is not serious," Howe said at Newcastle's pre-match press conference on Friday. "The extent of the injury is still unknown.

"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. We will try and make the right decision with Bruno - he is a pivotal player."

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Guimaraes is Newcastle's captain and he played in every one of the team's 38 Premier League matches last season. The 28-year-old has already made 33 appearances in all competitions during the current campaign.

After Sunday's match against Villa, Newcastle are scheduled to face PSG on the final day of the Champions League's league phase on Jan. 28, followed by a Premier League contest at Liverpool (Jan. 31) and the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Manchester City (Feb. 4).

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