Bruno Guimaraes faces long wait for first Newcastle United start amid ‘surprising’ teammate verdict – pundit
Bruno Guimaraes will have to settle for a place on the Newcastle United bench until there is an injury, according to Kevin Campbell.
The ex-Premier League striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the “surprising” form of Joelinton will prevent the January signing from making his full debut soon.
The Magpies splashed out £40million on Guimaraes last month.
However, the Brazil international has played just four minutes of football since arriving to St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe has preferred Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock in midfield.
When asked when the Toon faithful could expect to see Guimaraes start, Campbell told Football Insider: “I have to be honest, the lads in the team have been performing.
“Eddie Howe is doing a really good job. He will be saying, ‘Right, if you perform, you stay in.’
“Bruno Guimaraes is a brilliant player to have but you do not chuck him in for the sake of it. Remember, he has not played in the Premier League before.
“The form of the others is giving him time to adjust which is not a bad thing. He’s getting little cameos off the bench. The moment there is an injury or a knock, he will be ready to come straight in.
“Right now, Eddie Howe cannot drop Shelvey, Willock or Joelinton, who has surprised me with the way he’s played in midfield. He’s been fantastic. He has been so so good. Howe gave them the opportunity and they’ve taken it.
“Howe knows he has a gem in Guimaraes ready to come in as soon as there is an injury.”
In other news, a medical expert has named a return date for Allan Saint-Maximin after a ‘huge’ Newcastle United update.