Michael Bridges says Bruno Guimaraes' recent absence has 'damaged' Newcastle United and his return will be very welcome for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
Guimaraes was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Southampton winger Samuel Edozie during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
The Brazilian international subsequently missed back-to-back 1-1 draws against Newcastle United and Bournemouth, as well as the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool last Saturday.
His absence left a huge void in the heart of midfield for the Magpies, but ex-Newcastle forward Bridges believes his return will once again provide Eddie Howe's side with a much-needed midfield orchestrator.
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"They've really missed Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield. He got the red card and thankfully it hasn't cost him a finals place, he's going to be back for the final," Bridges told The GegenPod Football Podcast.
"However, it's really damaged them in the league. Everything goes through Bruno, he sets up play, when they playing through the midfield, he's there looking for the gaps. He just makes things happen."
Newcastle will be without first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope for their first League Cup final in 47 years. The England international won't be available for Newcastle's first trip to Wembley since 1999 after receiving a red card against Liverpool last time out.
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