Key Points
- Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães has suffered a serious hamstring injury during a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
- The injury rules Guimarães out for a lengthy period, impacting Newcastle’s squad depth.
- Everton gains a significant boost in the race for European qualification spots due to Newcastle’s mounting injury concerns.
- Additional Newcastle players, including Joelinton and Tino Livramento, are sidelined with thigh and hamstring issues respectively.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 16, 2026 – Everton have received a crucial advantage in their pursuit of European football next season following Newcastle United’s latest injury setback.
Bruno Guimarães, the Brazilian international and key midfielder for Newcastle, limped off in the closing stages of their 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, with scans confirming a hamstring injury that will sideline him for an extended period. This blow compounds Newcastle’s problems, handing rivals Everton a major lift in the tight Premier League battle for continental places.
What caused Newcastle’s injury crisis?
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed visible concern after the match, as Guimarães hobbled off the pitch late in the game against Tottenham. According to The Athletic, further tests revealed the severity of the hamstring problem, with alarms raised over the 28-year-old’s availability. BeSoccer reports list Guimarães with a muscle injury, alongside thigh issues for Joelinton expected back late February 2026, hamstring trouble for Tino Livramento, and a knee injury for Lewis Miley.
As reported by The Athletic of The Athletic, Howe was right to worry, with Guimarães now facing a lengthy layoff that disrupts Newcastle’s midfield stability.
How does this benefit Everton’s European hopes?
With Newcastle grappling with multiple absences, Everton now hold a stronger position in the Premier League standings chase for European qualification. The Toffees, pushing for a top-six finish, capitalise on their rivals’ misfortunes without adding to their own injury list. Supporters see this as a timely boost amid a congested fixture schedule.
Which other Newcastle players are affected?
BeSoccer’s injury updates confirm Joelinton’s thigh injury with a potential return late February, Tino Livramento’s hamstring problem, and Lewis Miley’s knee issue, stretching Newcastle’s medical department thin. These absences weaken their squad at a critical juncture in the season.
What are the implications for the Premier League race?
Newcastle’s hammer blow opens the door wider for Everton and other mid-table challengers aiming for Europa League or Conference League spots. Managers across the division will monitor the Magpies’ recovery closely, as points could shift dramatically in the coming weeks. Everton fans remain optimistic about capitalising on this development.
The injury to Guimarães underscores the fine margins in the Premier League, where squad depth often decides European destiny.
