Crystal Palace's hosts could be without star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes today, Chris Waugh reports.

The Lowdown: Tough start

Patrick Vieira’s side have had a difficult start to the season, already playing Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in their first five games.

They sit on five points, though, and are on the hunt for a first Premier League away win of the season this afternoon.

The Eagles have had to deal with a few injury concerns this season, and it looks as if their opponents today could be without a key player.

The Latest: Guimaraes update

Guimaraes has missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury, but Eddie Howe said prior to the Liverpool game that he wasn’t far from a return.

However, Newcastle correspondent Waugh took to Twitter on Friday, claiming that Guimaraes is still a doubt alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, with Callum Wilson also out.

The Verdict: Potential boost for Vieira

Saint-Maximin and Wilson are key for the Magpies going forward, and Guimaraes has been just as important in midfield.

Howe has said that the midfielder will be a 'huge player' this season, while Alan Shearer has already waxed lyrical about the Brazilian during the current campaign.

His move to the club in January resulted in a huge lift in form, so Guimaraes’ absence this afternoon could be a boost for Vieira and co at St. James’ Park.