Bruno Guimaraes' suspension until the Carabao Cup final is not the reason behind Newcastle United's recent indifferent form. That is the view of Magpies striker Callum Wilson, who feels it is down to the team as a whole to break down stubborn opponents and return to winning ways.
Eddie Howe's side remain unbeaten in the Premier League since August, but Saturday's draw at Bournemouth means United have now drawn five of their last six top-flight encounters. The emphatic victory at Leicester City on Boxing Day remains Newcastle's last success in the league, although the Magpies did win both legs of their semi-final tie with Southampton to book their Wembley date against Manchester United.
Guimaraes was dismissed in the second-leg victory over the Saints at St James' Park following a VAR review, ruling the midfielder out for three fixtures. The former Lyon star missed the successive 1-1 draws with West Ham and Bournemouth, and will also be absent for Saturday's clash with Liverpool.
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Newcastle have failed to win any of their five fixtures without Guimaraes in the starting eleven so far this season. However, Wilson does not feel the 25-year-old's current suspension explains the recent draws.
The Magpies striker told the Footballer's Football Podcast: "He's only missed two games, and we've drawn five out of the last six I believe. While he has been there, we have been drawing as well. I think we have 10 draws for the season, so if you work out he's only missed two games, we've had eight draws with him in the team.
"Yes, he's a great player but ultimately he's one player in the midfield. To break teams down, you need the whole tandem to keep working in sync, it's not just him.
"Obviously we need the ball going out wide quicker, and he does switch the play a lot. He does travel with the ball, he takes it in tight spaces and things like that.
"He will be welcomed back with open arms, it's disappointing to miss him. But I wouldn't say that's the reason we're drawing games. We've come a long way, last season we were talking about relegation."
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