Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes will miss his team’s game against Liverpool after being sent off last night.
The Brazilian was given his marching orders for a studs-up challenge on Southampton’s Samuel Edozie. As corroborated by the Liverpool Echo, Bruno will now miss his team’s next three games.
After sitting out matches against West Ham United and Bournemouth, the 25-year-old will also miss the clash with Liverpool.
The Reds travel to St James’ Park for the evening kick-off on Saturday February 18th. Given Newcastle’s impressive form, perhaps this can serve as a little boost for Liverpool ahead of the game.
Liverpool handed slight Newcastle advantage
There’s no doubt that this is welcome news for Liverpool. In a team functioning so brilliantly, Bruno has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season.
Manager Eddie Howe has hailed him as being ‘outstanding’ via Sky Sports. The Brazil international has shown exactly why Liverpool have reportedly been interested in signing him in the past.
With the Magpies now looking like an upwardly mobile club, that’s unlikely to happen now. Liverpool are said to have been told that it would take ‘more than £100m’ to sign Bruno from Newcastle. The ship has well and truly sailed.
So, with that now accepted, Liverpool have to worry about stopping him and his newly rich club.
Without Bruno tearing into the Reds midfield, that should become a little easier in two-and-a-half weeks time. He was actually missing when the two sides met at Anfield in August, too.
Remarkably, Liverpool’s late win that evening remains Newcastle’s only defeat of the Premier League season.
If Jurgen Klopp’s side can land another blow on them, it’ll improve their chances of a top four finish no end.
Bruno’s absence will perhaps help, but the Toon still have plenty for Liverpool to worry about. Howe has them playing like a well-oiled machine right now. It’s up to the Reds to drive home this little advantage and to throw an almighty spanner in the works.