Newcastle United were rocked by a Miguel Almiron injury heading into the international break, but it now sounds like he won’t miss any football.
The 29-year-old was forced off in the first half of Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth. He suffered a hamstring injury, as he joined the growing list of Toon players who were unavailable for selection.
Given the type of injury he sustained, it felt likely that the Paraguayan would be out of action for a few weeks, which was a devastating blow ahead of some huge games.
However, updates surrounding Miggy’s fitness have been positive. It looks like the injury was not as bad as first feared, and he could actually be involved in the Magpies’ Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
Given our other injury concerns, it would be great to see the £21million winger involved against the Blues, and now an update from the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has provided details on whether or not he could actually be named in Eddie Howe’s starting XI this weekend.
Miguel Almiron could possibly start against Chelsea
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has appeared on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, and has provided an update on Miguel Almiron‘s situation.
“Miguel Almiron, hamstring injury,” he said.
“He wouldn’t have been fit if Newcastle were playing at the weekend just gone. But there is an outside chance he’s going to be starting this weekend. Certainly should be in and around the squad next week.”
Newcastle have some tough injury decisions to make in the coming days
After the way he limped off against Bournemouth, it would be a real shock to see Almiron start on Saturday. But what a boost it would be too, given our other injury concerns.
It will be a difficult one for Howe to call. On the one hand, he will want as strong a team as possible to take on an improving Chelsea side. On the other, Howe’s men also have a huge Champions League game away to Paris Saint-Germain just days later.
It puts the Newcastle boss in a difficult situation, and he also has the same issue with Alexander Isak. He is due to be available once again, but Howe will be wary that the 24-year-old is the only striker he’s got at the moment.
Elsewhere in attack, Newcastle don’t have many options. Anthony Gordon will be available, while Joelinton could be asked to play out wide.
Howe has got a bit of a selection headache ahead of Chelsea, but not a positive one. But at least it looks like Almiron will be available in some capacity, which is better than initially expected.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
