Newcastle United will be without captain Bruno Guimaraes for their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Barcelona after the midfielder sustained a hamstring injury.
The Brazilian suffered the setback during Newcastle’s recent Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. Medical assessments confirmed a right hamstring injury, ruling him out of both legs against the Spanish side.
Guimaraes has travelled to Brazil to continue his rehabilitation, leaving Eddie Howe’s side without one of their most influential players at a crucial stage of the season.
The first leg will take place at St. James’ Park on 10 March, with the return fixture scheduled for 18 March at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Guimaraes’ Impact on Newcastle’s Campaign
Bruno Guimaraes has been central to Newcastle’s performances this season. The 26-year-old has registered nine goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
His contributions extend beyond direct goal involvement. As club captain, he anchors Newcastle’s midfield, dictating tempo and providing defensive cover while linking play between the back line and attacking unit.
Since joining the club, Guimaraes has played a key role in Newcastle’s return to European competition. His absence leaves Howe facing a tactical reshuffle against one of Europe’s most experienced sides.
Without him, Newcastle may need to rely on alternative midfield combinations to maintain balance and control against Barcelona’s technical setup.
Growing Injury Concerns for Eddie Howe
Guimaraes’ injury compounds existing selection issues for Newcastle. Defender Fabian Schar is sidelined, along with Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento.
The defensive absences reduce Howe’s options at the back, particularly in wide and central areas, where squad depth has already been tested in domestic and European competitions.
There is potential relief in midfield. Lewis Miley could return in time for the first leg, providing additional options in central areas. Jacob Ramsey is already back in contention after missing the recent fixture against Qarabag FK due to fitness concerns.
Even so, the absence of a senior leader such as Guimaraes places added responsibility on other experienced figures within the squad.
Newcastle’s medical staff will aim to manage the situation carefully, particularly given the intensity of upcoming fixtures in both domestic and continental competitions.
Barcelona Also Dealing with Midfield Absence
Barcelona will also enter the tie without a key midfielder. Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out for approximately five weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Dutch international has been a regular presence in Barcelona’s midfield, contributing to ball progression and defensive transitions.
His absence removes an important element from Barcelona’s central structure, potentially altering their approach in both legs.
Barcelona’s depth, however, offers alternatives in midfield. The Spanish club remains experienced at navigating knockout rounds, having consistently competed at this stage of European competition over the past decade.
High-Stakes Round of 16 Encounter
The Round of 16 tie represents a significant moment for Newcastle, who have re-established themselves on the European stage after years away from the Champions League.
Hosting the first leg at St. James’ Park provides an opportunity to build momentum in front of home supporters. However, the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou presents a challenging environment.
Barcelona’s home ground has historically been a difficult venue for visiting teams in European competition. Managing the tie across both legs will require tactical discipline and squad resilience.
Injury management could play a decisive role. Both teams are entering the knockout phase without influential midfielders, potentially shifting emphasis toward defensive organization and collective balance.
Newcastle will aim to compensate for Guimaraes’ absence through structural adjustments rather than individual replacement. Howe has previously demonstrated adaptability when facing selection constraints.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will seek to control possession and dictate tempo, consistent with their traditional playing philosophy.
Tactical Implications Ahead of First Leg
Guimaraes’ absence removes a player capable of breaking lines with forward passes and late runs into the box. Newcastle may need to adopt a more compact midfield structure to limit Barcelona’s control in central areas.
Set pieces and transitions could become more prominent features of Newcastle’s strategy, particularly at home.
For Barcelona, the loss of De Jong may affect their ability to accelerate play through midfield. The Spanish side could adjust their shape to ensure balance between defensive stability and attacking creativity.
Both managers will likely prioritize risk management in the opening leg, aware that the tie will be decided over 180 minutes.
Fixture Details
The first leg between Newcastle United and Barcelona will be played on 10 March at St. James’ Park.
The return leg is scheduled for 18 March at the Spotify Camp Nou.
With key midfield figures unavailable for both sides, the Round of 16 encounter will test squad depth, tactical flexibility, and resilience as the Champions League knockout phase begins.
SOURCE: Mundo Deportivo