Key players missing from Newcastle training photos, including Almiron

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Newcastle United have released official training photos ahead of the game vs Man United, and some Toon players are conspicuous by their absence.

Eddie Howe takes his side to Old Trafford on Sunday, going in search of a hat-trick of Premier League wins. However, it will be very difficult at a ground that Newcastle have struggled at historically.

But the Magpies are brimming with confidence at the moment, and have seen key players return from injury in recent weeks.

Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson have proven their fitness, while Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton returned in the win over Brentford.

Howe almost has a fully fit squad to choose from, with Jonjo Shelvey and Alexander Isak also edging closer to a return. The only long-term absentees are Karl Darlow and Emil Krafth.

However, there are a few important players who fail to feature in the pictures that have been posted on the club’s official website.

Almiron, ASM and Shelvey not seen in Newcastle training photos

Newcastle have posted a selection of pictures on their official website and social media channels.

The likes of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Joe Willock can be seen taking part. There are also appearances from youth players Jude Smith and Lewis Miley.

However, there are no pictures including the likes of Shelvey, Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron. And that will raise some concern from Toon fans.

The lack of Almiron is particularly worrying given how well he has been playing. The 28-year-old has scored three goals in the last two games, and was recently called ‘unplayable‘ by teammate Dan Burn.

While the trio’s absence is curious, hopefully it is nothing to worry about. Given his fitness problems, the club have taken efforts to preserve Saint-Maximin in the past. He wasn’t pictured in the build-up to his return against Brentford. He will likely have a different training schedule to everyone else.

The same goes for Shelvey, who has only just returned to training after a lengthy injury. It was recently reported that he could be on the bench at Old Trafford.

As for Almiron, hopefully we get some answers from Howe on Friday. Given his form, he would be a big miss against Manchester United. Fingers crossed this is nothing and he is available to play on Sunday.