Miguel Almiron has spent most of the season watching Newcastle United from the bench.
The Paraguayan has not started any of Newcastle United‘s four Premier League games so far, and has only appeared in two of them.
Miguel Almiron came on as a late substitute against Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur, with the winger being given no time to really influence the game.
His only start came in the Carabao Cup, when Newcastle edged past Nottingham Forest on penalties.
Almiron’s lack of minutes comes after a summer of discontent. It started with Almiron representing Paraguay at the Copa America, and ended with him still at Newcastle United despite relentless rumours about a move away from St James’ Park.
It was even suggested that Newcastle could swap Almiron for Anthony Elanga on deadline day, but that deal with Nottingham Forest did not materialise.
Eddie Howe ‘delighted’ with Miguel Almiron despite barely playing him
In every Premier League game, Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy have started ahead of Almiron.
Eddie Howe has seemingly been reluctant to play the 30-year-old, and now the Newcastle United manager has shared where he feels Almiron is at during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Fulham.
“Miggy has trained well this week,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“He came back in a really good place from his international games.
“He, like the other players who played international tournaments, have had limited minutes but we’re delighted with his attitude and how committed he is.
“He’s in a much better place now.”
Almiron could get League Cup chance on Tuesday as Newcastle face Wimbledon
It appears that Howe’s reluctance to play Almiron has come from the attacker not experiencing a full pre-season with the Magpies.
He started the summer at the Copa America, and linked up with his Toon teammates at a later date.
And during that period, Murphy really stood out and put himself ahead of Miggy in the pecking order.
Now Almiron also has Barnes to contend with, as the 26-year-old is playing so well that Howe needs to find a way of getting him and Gordon in the starting XI.
It is a difficult situation for Almiron, but an opportunity could come his way during the week.
Newcastle United face Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, which could result in Almiron returning to the starting lineup.
If that is the case, it will be a chance for him to prove why he should be playing more.
All the while, Newcastle continue to look for another player that can operate in his position. The Magpies wanted a winger in the summer, but failed to bring targets such as Michael Olise and Anthony Elanga to Tyneside.
Ahead of the next transfer window, it has been reported that Newcastle’s priority is to sign a right winger.
That could be bad news for Almiron, who has between now and the start of 2025 to prove that he still has a part to play.
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