Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Wolves vs Newcastle, Eddie Howe has provided updates on his midfield options.
Anthony Gordon will miss Saturday’s Wolves game due to suspension, and Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa have been ruled out due to injury.
Nick Woltemade should be ready to go, if Eddie Howe sees fit to start him.
In midfield, there are question marks over the regular starters’ readiness for the weekend’s action.
Eddie Howe unsure about Bruno Guimaraes for Newcastle after international break
Howe was asked about Newcastle’s captain Bruno Guimaraes, who played at a high altitude against Paraguay on Wednesday night.
On whether he can make quick turnaround for Saturday’s outing, Howe said: “We’ve had discussions with Bruno and we continue to have discussions to see how he feels.
“Any player that enters the pitch, we have to be confident and he has to be confident that he can deliver his best for the team, and I know Bruno will share that view with us. So, we’ll wait and see.”
Guimaraes played all 90 minutes in Brazil’s 1-0 win, and given the lengthy travel and time difference, he may not be 100% for the weekend.
What a boost that would be for Wolves.
Joelinton looks to be available for the Wolves match
Where one Brazilian midfielder could be out of action, another looks likely to return.
Joelinton did not feature for Brazil after picking up a groin injury before the international break, but Howe is confident he can come back into the side.
Both are vital players for Newcastle, and ones he will hope can feature.
But for even one of Newcastle’s formidable midfielders to be out would be a huge confidence-raiser for Vitor Pereira’s side.
With Wolves likely to field a Brazilian pairing of their own with Joao Gomes and Andre, the battle in the centre of the park is sure to be an entertaining watch and a key determinant of the result.
Hopefully, one (or both) of Howe’s Brazilians can’t feature.