Eddie Howe drops major winger hint ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Aston Villa

Miguel Almiron could make a surprise return to the Newcastle United squad for Saturday’s visit to Aston Villa after making an early recovery from a thigh injury.

The Paraguay international has not featured for the Magpies since scoring in the 2-1 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in early March but is well ahead of schedule in his recovery. Almiron was expected to train with his team-mates on Friday prior to their journey to the Midlands and could feature in the matchday squad for the first time in over a month, provided there is no reaction following his participation in the session.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Magpies manager Eddie Howe said: “He’s done really well. He’s ahead of schedule at the moment. Fingers crossed, he gets through training, and could be available very soon. Possibility (when asked if Almiron could be in the squad for Villa). I think we’ll need to see how he trains today. He’s had limited training time. But he’s looked really good.

“He’s been really committed to his rehab. He’s been away a couple of times for injections, spent a bit of time in Barcelona, but he’s come back and really kicked on. He’s a very professional lad, that’s why he’s back quicker than we thought he would be.”

One player that will not make the trip to Villa Park is Allan Saint-Maximin as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The French winger was missing from the United squad that claimed a 2-1 win at Brentford last weekend and has been given permission to return to his homeland to undergo treatment alongside a member of United’s medical team.

Saint-Maximin will not be available for the meeting with Unai Emery’s in-form side but Howe has confirmed he hopes to have the winger back in action ‘very soon’.

He said: “We said at the time it’s not a serious injury but he’s away getting treatment and isn’t with us. At some stage next week he’ll be back and he’ll be available very soon.

“I’m comfortable with that (Saint-Maximin recovering in France), I always have been. I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to be in Newcastle to get the best treatment. It’s always about how the player can come back in the best possible condition. If that means going away to see someone you really like, we do have a member of staff there with him so he’s not alone. The staff member is thinking of Newcastle United.

“The work he’s doing is good, we’re trying to get him back as soon as possible.”