BRUNO GUIMARARES admits he is becoming increasingly frustrated with the ongoing ankle issue that almost prevented him from featuring in Newcastle United’s win over Brentford.

Guimaraes played the full 90 minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium, and was an influential performer as the Magpies came from behind to claim the 2-1 victory that lifted them back up to second in the table.

However, the Brazilian has been struggling with an ankle injury for a number of weeks, and a problem in the warm-up placed his participation in yesterday’s game at risk.

He was eventually passed fit to take up his place in the starting line-up, but the issue remains unresolved and could require surgery in the summer.

“I twisted my ankle in the warm-up,” revealed Guimaraes. “It is good to have a full week (without a game) now because I will get some time to rest.

“I don’t know if I can say it, but it is p*****g me off with my ankle. I need to get some rest and see at the end of the season what we can do, but I am not happy with my ankle.

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“I got some pills (painkillers), but the first half was very tough for me. I think I improved my game and helped my team-mates to get the result.”

Having claimed a maximum nine points from last week’s matches against Manchester United, West Ham and Brentford, Newcastle boast a three-point advantage over fifth-placed Tottenham in the battle for a Champions League place, having played one fewer game than the north London side.

The next two games could prove pivotal to the Magpies’ top-four hopes, with next weekend's trip to Villa Park to take on an in-form Aston Villa side being followed by a home game against Spurs.

Guimaraes expected to be fit to face Villa despite his ankle issues, and admits the form of Unai Emery’s side means that has to be the sole focus regardless of the potential significance of the following weekend’s showdown with Spurs.

“I will be okay (to play against Aston Villa), of course,” said the South American. “We are not thinking about Tottenham now. Our focus is to get some rest and think about Aston Villa. They are playing very well and won again (against Nottingham Forest).

“We are on the way to where we want to get to, but we cannot think about the Champions League. It is game by game, but of course we will fight for it until the end.”