Howe: Guimaraes to be given ´every chance´ to feature against Aston Villa

Eddie Howe insisted that Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes will be given “every chance” of featuring against Aston Villa after sustaining an injury in midweek.

Guimaraes was substituted in Newcastle’s 3-0 win over PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday after colliding with visiting goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the first half.

The Brazilian was replaced by Lewis Miley in first-half stoppage time with an apparent issue with his ankle, which could be a huge blow for the Magpies ahead of this weekend.

In the Premier League this season, no player has scored more goals (eight), won more tackles (31) or created more chances (32) for Newcastle than Guimaraes.

But speaking ahead of Villa’s visit to St. James’ Park on Sunday, Howe did not officially rule out the 28-year-old from featuring against Unai Emery’s title chasers.

“We hope it is not serious. The extent of the injury is still unknown. He was reasonably positive after the game,” Howe said.

“He is the guy that will never rule anything out. We are going to give him every chance for this weekend. We will try and make the right decision with Bruno. He is a pivotal player.”

Another positive for Newcastle is the return of Dan Burn, who has missed the last six Premier League fixtures for the Magpies due to a rib injury.

“This is the first day he is training fully and that is the key thing for him,” Howe added.

Newcastle come into their clash with Villa fresh from an impressive midweek win over PSV, with Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on target.

Gordon has now been directly involved in eight goals in the Champions League for Newcastle (six goals, two assists), the outright most by any player for the club.

He also equalled Alan Shearer’s club-record six-goal tally for the Magpies in the competition, while only Kylian Mbappe (11) has netted more in Europe than Gordon this term.

However, the England international has struggled in the top flight in 2025-26, netting twice in 17 appearances in the competition this season.

“Gordon has saved his goals for the Champions League. It is strange to work out why. But I am happy with him because of the way he is creating and scoring goals,” Howe said.

“There is more in there for him to achieve. He is so committed. Wednesday is hopefully the start of a good run.”