An update has emerged on Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and his injury situation ahead of the club's return to Premier League action.

What's the latest?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has claimed that the Brazil international is excepted to be available for selection against AFC Bournemouth today.

He tweeted:

"Expectation is that ASM & Wilson miss out, but Bruno likely to return #nufc."

Magpies boss Eddie Howe, however, refused to give too much away as he left everyone in the dark over the club's injury situation, saying:

"Everyone has improved but I'll leave my team-news until the time we get it. It's been a slightly difficult period for us but hopefully we're coming out of that. They're big players for us and we need them back quickly."

Delight for Howe

The Magpies head coach should be delighted by Hope's claim that Guimaraes is set for a comeback this weekend as his return would be a huge boost to the team.

He has not stepped foot on the pitch in the Premier League since the 3-3 draw with Manchester City, due to suffering an injury in the 2-1 win over Tranmere in the EFL Cup last month, and Newcastle have failed to win any of the three subsequent matches - scoring just twice in that time.

A 2-1 loss to Liverpool was sandwiched by draws with Wolves - 1-1 - and Crystal Palace - 0-0 - and the Magpies will now hope that Guimaraes return will lead to their second win in the league this season, as they face Bournemouth at St. James' Park.

The Brazilian started the campaign in fine form. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13 across the first three games, creating 1.3 chances and making 4.3 tackles and interceptions per outing in the top-flight. This shows that he has the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, as he can open up opposition defences with his passing whilst providing a screen in front of the back four to keep teams out in his own third.

He also has the potential to be a match-winner with his ability to score goals. Guimaraes scored five times in 11 starts for Newcastle in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, after joining from Lyon in January, and this suggests that the quality is there for him to be a difference-maker at this level.

Therefore, Howe should be delighted with his potential return as it would be a big lift for the team with what he can offer offensively and defensively in the middle of the park.