Joelinton was among several Newcastle United stars to wish Bruno Guimaraes well in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Influential Newcastle United captain Guimaraes is set to miss around eight weeks of action after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham.
It’s a major blow for Eddie Howe’s side ahead of crucial games in the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Newcastle’s Premier League campaign may be petering out somewhat but the cup competitions do offer the chance for real success, particularly after the Magpies knocked Aston Villa out of the FA Cup on Saturday night in a 3-1 victory.
A few hours after the news was confirmed, Guimaraes took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional message. The statement accompanied a photo of the back of his shirt hanging up in the dressing room at St James’ Park.
It read: “As previously reported, for the first time in 10 years of my career, I will have to spend some time away from the pitch. I’m very saddened, but certain that God knows all things. A muscle injury will keep me out for a few weeks, but it will help strengthen me and ensure I’m even more prepared for what lies ahead.
“Thank you all for the support, messages and concern. See you soon.”
Joelinton, a close friend, responded with the words: “It’ll be back soon my brother.”
Anthony Elanga wrote: “Be back soon mon frérot.”
Bruno Guimaraes set to return to Brazil after Newcastle United injury
Guimaraes is arguably Newcastle’s most important player, with the team having won just two of the 14 games he’s missed since joining the club in January 2022.
Hopefully, his recovery goes reasonably swiftly.
Interestingly, according to Eduardo Burgos of Spanish outlet AS, Guimaraes is set to return to his native Brazil to work with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in his recovery.
The journalist adds that Newcastle are hoping to extend the midfielder’s contract, currently set to expire in 2028, before this summer’s World Cup.
Sandro Tonali begins life without Bruno Guimaraes in stunning fashion
With Guimaraes ruled out, Sandro Tonali will need to step up.
While the Italian’s form has largely deserted him in recent months, he certainly stepped up to the plate on Saturday.
Tonali’s brace turned the game around for Newcastle as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-1. Tammy Abraham had given Unai Emery’s side the lead with a controversially awarded opener given he looked offside, though there was no VAR to check.
Tonali, however, struck twice from range and in doing so, he became the first Newcastle player to score a brace from outside the box since Mo Diame did it against Preston in the League Cup back in October 2016.
Nick Woltemade bagged a late third as life without Guimaraes began with a victory.