Bruno Guimaraes suspension: Newcastle talisman set for three-match ban

But there was one sour note during their 3-1 aggregate win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-final at St James' Park - Bruno Guimaraes' red card.

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With the Magpies 2-1 up on the night and with time ticking away, Southampton's Samuel Edozie drove at the Newcastle defence.

Guimaraes snapped in and crunched his boot into Edozie's ankle in an attempt to win the ball. Paul Tierney immediately brandished a yellow card before VAR told him to have a look.

The end result was a red card for the Brazilian and Eddie Howe will now have to do without one of his star players.

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But how long will Guimaraes be out for and when will he return?

How many games will Guimaraes miss?

The 25-year-old will miss Newcastle's next three games having been brandished with a straight red card for dangerous play rather than for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity,

And the good news is that this red applies to all domestic competitions, so he CAN take part in the final against Manchester United.

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This means he will absent for the Toon's Premier League clashes against West Ham, Bournemouth and Liverpool.

However, should any of those three games be postponed then Guimaraes' suspension will carry over and his Wembley appearance would be in doubt.

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Either way, Newcastle are already struggling for bodies in the middle of the park following Jonjo Shelvey's move to Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.

Howe said: "It's a huge blow for us and it will take time to sink in for me.

"He's a huge player for us and everything goes through him, so we are going to miss him but it offers an opportunity for another player."

And Guimaraes also spoke out after the game on social media.

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The Brazil international wrote: "Huge happiness to be in my first final with this shirt.

"Every day I'm sure I made the best decision coming here. First year and first final.

"Sad for the red card, the first in my career, but these are situations that occur during games.

"Thanks for the support. Wembley, here we go.

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When will Guimaraes return?

Incredibly, the Brazilian international's return will come in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

The Magpies will travel to Wembley to face the Red Devils on Sunday, February 26 and that will be Guimaraes' first game back.

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Now, you would expect him to go straight into Howe's starting XI, but he could be a bit short of match fitness.

Either way, though, Guimaraes will be back for the final as this Toon squad look to make themselves heroes by winning Newcastle's first trophy since 1969.