Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is reportedly expected to return to action sooner than initially anticipated.
During the first half of Sunday's Premier League fixture with Fulham, Guimaraes sustained an ankle injury that required heavy strapping to make it to half time.
However, the Brazil international, who was visibly frustrated with the issue, was forced off at the break, leading to fears that he could face a significant spell on the sidelines.
Those concerns only increased when Guimaraes was seen departing St James' Park on crutches, and boss Eddie Howe appeared pessimistic when quizzed on the player after the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe said: "Bruno was very distressed. He was in a lot of pain. With one of the challenges, he twisted his ankle and felt he could run it off.
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"Obviously he couldn't, he asked for his ankle to be strapped and he just signalled with about 30 seconds of the first half left that he needed to be withdrawn.
"It's one of those where you tend to go with the player, how he feels. Is he able to execute what he needed to? I thought he played very well in the first half."
However, the same outlet now says that the 25-year-old could be in a position to return to action before the end of the month.
The report claims that Guimaraes has not suffered any torn ligaments in his ankle and may now only miss the upcoming fixture with Crystal Palace at the weekend.
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Should that prove to be the case, the former Lyon man would come back into contention for the EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton, the first leg taking place on January 24.
With Jonjo Shelvey already injured in the long term, the early recovery of Guimaraes would represent a huge boost to Newcastle as they bid to remain in the top four of the Premier League table.
Guimaraes has started 16 of Newcastle's 19 fixtures in the top flight during 2022-23, contributing three goals and three assists.
The North East giants hold a five-point advantage over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, although that advantage may potentially be reduced later this week with Spurs facing Manchester City on Thursday evening.
Darren Plant
