Bruno Guimaraes' form is a problem for Eddie Howe... the Brazilian midfielder's legs are failing him and the Newcastle team, writes CRAIG HOPE

Eddie Howe thought he had found a long-term solution when making Bruno Guimaraes the captain of Newcastle this summer. What he has found is a short-term problem.

The Brazilian has been brilliant since arriving from Lyon for a bargain £36million in January of 2022. He has charisma, class and a bond with supporters that is genuine. They love him. He loves them.

But immunity from criticism - or, even gentler, question - is not a healthy place for any footballer to be. Guimaraes has, understandably to a degree, been afforded such protection during his time on Tyneside. Newcastle have been lucky to have him.

In August, as revealed by Mail Sport, he was promoted to team captain. Howe's logic was that it would end uncertainty over who was skipper - Kieran Trippier had long since deputised for Jamaal Lascelles - and the head coach thought it would bring even more from the midfielder.

Guimaraes can, when his team needs him most, play as if wearing a superhero's cape. Howe wanted him to stitch that into his black-and-white jersey for good. This season, it feels more like a rucksack full of lead. He was never quick - he didn't have to be - but in recent weeks he has looked slow. So slow on the opening weekend that referee Craig Pawson went past him as he attempted to make a recovery run.

Guimaraes still played well that day, during a 1-0 win over Southampton. Newcastle were down to 10 men and the armband and cape were an inspiration. He has not played well in the weeks since.

On Saturday, following the 3-1 defeat at Fulham, he apologised to supporters for an error in stoppage-time that cost his team a goal. He had, inexplicably, played the ball across his own penalty area to Reiss Nelson, who duly scored.

Mistakes can happen, it is his general play that should be more of a concern. In short, he looks way short of fitness after a delayed start to pre-season.

Howe believes that to keep Guimaraes in the team and allow his condition to improve is the answer. That belief is starting to feel more like a hope. After six matches, he appears stuck in a state of sluggishness.

Does he need more games? Does he need a rest? Or, an option never considered before when it comes to the talisman, does he need to be dropped?

The captaincy makes the latter a little more tricky. He was chosen to lead the team in part because he always plays, and justifiably so. He is never injured and gives his lot and more every time.

But his form is a problem for Howe. Fulham, like others, targeted the area in behind Guimaraes, running off him and past him and into the penalty area with ease and regularity. At his best, he positions himself so that his lack of pace is not exposed. He has several yards in his head. Right now, however, his legs are failing him and his team.