Newcastle United Injury Crisis Ahead of FA Cup Clash
Newcastle United could be without six key players for their crucial FA Cup fourth round trip to face Aston Villa this weekend. Manager Eddie Howe faces significant selection headaches as his squad deals with multiple injury concerns ahead of the cup tie.
Bruno Guimaraes Hamstring Blow
The most concerning development involves Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who was forced off late in Newcastle's recent 2-1 league victory at Tottenham Hotspur with a hamstring problem. Howe has confirmed the influential playmaker is a major doubt for Saturday's match at Villa Park.
"We are awaiting the full extent of his hamstring injury," Howe stated regarding Guimaraes' condition. The midfielder's potential absence represents a significant setback for Newcastle, who advanced to this stage with a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth in the previous round.
Additional Absences Confirmed
Young midfielder Lewis Miley is also expected to miss the Villa clash after suffering what Howe described as a "dead leg" with associated muscle damage. "With Lewie we are waiting day by day," Howe explained. "He has a dead leg - he got a back knock to his thigh and has had some muscle damage. He is having scans day to day. I don't think it is long term."
Brazilian midfielder Joelinton continues his recovery and won't be available for the weekend fixture, though Howe offered optimism about his imminent return. "Joelinton is doing really well, I don't think he will make this game but he will be back soon after. He is feeling good about his body."
Defensive Concerns Mount
Newcastle's defensive options are further depleted with full-back Tino Livramento sidelined until early March. "Tino is on track for an early March return," Howe confirmed. "He is building his fitness back up and is doing everything he can."
Additional defensive absentees include Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar, both ruled out due to respective injury problems. This leaves Howe with limited defensive alternatives as his team prepares to face an Aston Villa side that secured their fourth round place with a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
Cup Context and Recent Form
The injury concerns come at a challenging time for Newcastle, who travel to the Midlands on the back of that important league victory at Tottenham - a result that ultimately cost Spurs manager Thomas Frank his position. However, the potential absence of six first-team players threatens to undermine Newcastle's cup ambitions.
Aston Villa will be looking to capitalize on Newcastle's selection problems as they seek to advance in the competition. The stage is set for a compelling FA Cup encounter, though Newcastle's preparations have been significantly complicated by this growing injury list.
