Bruno Guimarães injury blow ahead of potential Chelsea tie

Bruno Guimarães injury concerns have cast uncertainty over Newcastle United’s Champions League preparations, with the midfielder expected to miss the entire last-16 tie if drawn against Chelsea.

Newcastle are due to face either Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain in Friday’s draw. However, reports indicate Guimarães will not return until early April after sustaining a left thigh tear in the recent win over Tottenham.

That timeline would rule him out of both legs of the European tie and a potential Premier League meeting sandwiched between them.

The first leg of the last-16 is scheduled for 10 or 11 March at St James’ Park. The return fixture would follow on 17 or 18 March. In between, Newcastle and Chelsea would also meet domestically on 14 March should they be paired in Europe.

Guimarães is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil. He has trained at Atlético Mineiro’s facilities in Belo Horizonte and recently travelled to Rio de Janeiro for further treatment at Botafogo’s training centre, according to ESPN.

The 28-year-old has also met with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti at the CBF headquarters as part of discussions around his recovery plan.

While he is set to miss Brazil’s friendlies against France and Croatia, there is no current indication that his World Cup participation is in jeopardy.

If Newcastle draw Chelsea, the absence of their captain would significantly alter midfield dynamics. Guimarães has been central to Eddie Howe’s system, both in ball progression and defensive organisation.

Having followed Newcastle’s European campaign, his leadership and tempo control have been vital in tight knockout scenarios.

Beyond the Champions League, his absence could also impact Premier League fixtures against Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea, Sunderland and possibly Crystal Palace.

Newcastle are also due to face Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round, with the quarter-finals scheduled for early April.

However, it remains too early to assess the full competitive effect. Much will depend on squad depth and tactical adjustments in his absence.

Friday’s draw will determine whether Newcastle face Chelsea or PSG. If it is an all-English tie, scheduling congestion could magnify Guimarães’ absence. His projected early April return would restore balance for the season run-in, but short-term disruption is inevitable.

Would Newcastle cope without their captain in a decisive European week?