(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 13 March 2026 6:45, UK

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Newcastle United appear set to receive a huge boost regarding the fitness of club captain Bruno Guimaraes.

The influential midfielder has been out of action at St James’ Park since the 2-1 win away at Tottenham on 10 February, and his presence has been sorely missed by Eddie Howe’s side.

The Magpies have won just one of their three Premier League games in the absence of the Brazilian, and as a result, they are now nine points adrift of the European places with just nine games to go.

Newcastle’s injury room has been particularly busy of late, but it has now emerged that Guimaraes could return to the fold shortly if everything goes to plan with his recovery.

Newcastle set Champions League target for Bruno Guimaraes return

Newcastle previously expected Guimaraes to return for their last four league games at the end of the season, but the picture surrounding his injury is becoming increasingly promising.

The Magpies played out a 1-1 draw with Barcelona without him on Tuesday night, and they go into next week’s second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie with progression into the quarter finals still firmly within reach.

Their success in the Camp Nou next week is closely linked with the likely return date for their skipper, as he could potentially feature in the next round, should his team get the job done in Spain.

Guimaraes has “every chance” of being fit enough to feature in the first leg of a potential quarter-final, according to the Daily Mail, which would take place on either 7 April or 8 April.

Failing that, he is now expected to return for the trip to Crystal Palace on 11 April, which would see him return to action three games earlier than initially expected.

Magpies facing major Guimaraes concern this summer

Football Insider revealed last week that Newcastle are concerned about potentially facing another Alexander Isak-style situation when it comes to Guimaraes’ future this summer.

The 28-year-old’s performances have seen him fall onto the radar of Manchester United, who are keen to try and launch a big-money move for him ahead of next season.

Howe and Co. are keen to do everything in their power to try and keep hold of their captain, but they are also aware of the risk involved if he begins to agitate for a move.

Guimaraes is under contract until the summer of 2028 on Tyneside, but that will do little to prevent the renewed fears of what is still a very fresh memory for Newcastle and their fans.