DrkeemNewcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes is ready to join the party in Japan as he looks to get his pre-season fitness levels up to speed.
The Brazil international linked up with his team-mates and has trained tirelessly this week but was not involved against Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday night. That will change on Saturday night as United round off their tour of Japan against Yokohama F. Marinos in Tokyo.
The South American looks like he is staying on Tyneside after talk of a summer move was shelved by Howe earlier this week. The former Lyon man looked elated to be back with his team-mates after his extended holiday following his exploits with Brazil at the Copa America.
Now he is expected to get his first pre-season minutes and Howe told Chronicle Live: “We saw the boost he gave the group to have him back with us for the first time on the training pitch. He’s been a galvanising player for us in the last two years.
“I speak on behalf of everybody when I say I want to see Bruno on the pitch wearing a black and white shirt, happy, content and absolutely ready to drive the team forward again.”
Howe may look to rest Jacob Murphy on Saturday with the forward in excellent form this summer and is top scorer in pre-season with four goals. With Newcastle looking to sign a winger, Murphy has reminded Howe of his capabilities.
The Toon head coach said: “Jacob’s having a good pre-season. He looks sharp, and motivated to help the team. He is tactically a very, very dependable player (who) can do different things depending on what the game requires. So we are really happy with him.”
Drkeem
Thewolf