Devastating Injury to Star Player Sends Shockwaves Through Brazil's World Cup Dreams
Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães faces an extended absence following a hamstring injury sustained during Newcastle United's 2–1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Concerns arose when the 28-year-old hobbled off the field in the final moments on Tuesday night, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe appearing anxious during his post-match media briefing when addressing the situation. Following additional medical examinations, it appears the English manager's worries were justified.
The Athletic indicates Guimarães could be sidelined for as long as 10 weeks with this injury, representing a significant setback for the Magpies. Howe's squad has been unable to secure victory in their last 10 Premier League fixtures without the Brazilian star, a troubling statistic for a side with only two victories in their most recent six league encounters.
Guimarães's absence from the field also carries significant implications for the Seleção's preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Critical Player Absences Could Impact Brazil's World Cup Journey
Critical Player Absences Could Impact Brazil's World Cup Journey
In approximately one month, Brazil will resume international competition for the first time since entering 2026, with their focus on this summer's World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti's squad has crucial encounters with France and Croatia scheduled for March.
While these matches are technically international friendlies, they carry greater significance with football's premier tournament approaching. The Seleção will have the opportunity to measure themselves against the previous two World Cup finalists.
Ancelotti, however, will be unable to evaluate his preferred starting eleven for those fixtures following Guimarães's injury. The coach will also probably be without the injured Éder Militão, another anticipated starter for this summer's World Cup.
Brazil's tournament opener features a formidable Morocco team, a test the squad must be thoroughly prepared for to secure three points against the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finalists. However, they now face the possibility of lacking unity and understanding come June after being without their premier midfielder for their World Cup preparation matches.
Possible Substitutes for Guimarães in Brazil Squad
Possible Substitutes for Guimarães in Brazil Squad
With Guimarães unavailable in March, Ancelotti must evaluate other options to replace the Newcastle player. Manchester United's Casemiro is anticipated to feature in the midfield after successfully regaining his position in Brazil's starting lineup, but he will require a new midfield companion in March.
Based on recent patterns, Gerson and Lucas Paquetá appear to be frontrunners to fill Guimarães's role alongside Casemiro. The former established himself as a regular during the team's initial CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying campaign, delivering steady—though somewhat unspectacular—displays. Paquetá possesses considerably more international experience, but his standing has declined since Ancelotti assumed control.
Chelsea's Andrey Santos represents another possibility despite having earned just four international appearances. The 21-year-old is gradually discovering his rhythm with the Blues and could inject vitality and intelligence into Brazil's midfield. His capacity to advance with the ball, precise distribution, and defensive awareness might serve as the temporary answer to Brazil's midfield challenges.
Time will reveal whether Ancelotti chooses experience over emerging talent, but the former Real Madrid manager has repeatedly shown confidence in young players since assuming leadership of the Seleção, creating an opportunity for Santos to potentially catch the attention of the respected coach.