Key Newcastle player taken off with worrying ankle injury with tough games ahead

Newcastle have been dealt a hammer blow with captain Bruno Guimaraes being forced out of their Champions League clash with PSV.

The Magpies will now be sweating on the fitness of their skipper, who has started all seven of the club’s European matches this season.

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Getty

Brazilian Guimaraes picked up a knock inside 20 minutes after a collision with Mauro Júnior, but initially looked fine to continue.

The 28-year-old was later booked for catching Joey Veerman on the shins with his studs, and his game soon went from bad to worse.

Guimaraes then went down injured for a second time after landing awkwardly on his ankle while challenging for the ball from a corner.

Again, the midfielder attempted to play on but couldn’t shake off the problem and was replaced by Lewis Miley on the stroke of half-time.

Bruno Guimaraes suffers injury against PSV

Cameron Pope told talkSPORT 2: “He’s tried twice now to carry on, but Lewis Miley is going to relieve him of his duties.

“He’s a warrior, as you said, Dean Ashton, but you could see him moving around limping from ball to ball.

“He’s getting a hero’s reception as he leaves at the Gallowgate End, and it will be Lewis Miley on this place.

Former England striker Ashton added: “That’ll be a blow, of course, it will be.

“There’ll be a worry about Guimaraes’ injury, but I think that’s the right decision.”

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His early exit was the one sour note on what was otherwise a superb opening 45 minutes from the Toon.

Goals from Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon had put Eddie Howe‘s side in complete control at the break against PSV.

Any sustained absence for Guimaraes is the last thing Newcastle boss Eddie Howe needs with a tricky run of fixtures awaiting them.

The Tyneside outfit’s next league match sees them face title challengers Aston Villa on Sunday.

Howe’s men then travel to European champions Paris Saint-Germain next week before taking on Liverpool at Anfield in the league.

Newcastle then face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

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On a more positive note, the home side remains in complete control of their European tie, with PSV having just one shot on target.

As it stands, Newcastle sit in the top eight of the Champions League table ahead of just one final match against PSG next week.