Miguel Almiron u-turn as Newcastle United midfielder now available at Manchester United
Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron WILL be available for selection for this weekend’s trip to Manchester United, according to Steve Bruce.
FIFA looked set to deem the Paraguayan ineligible after he failed to report for international duty this week, following a Premier League decision to back clubs not sending their players to play in ‘red list’ countries.
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Hide AdBut it appears the club and the league have secured a u-turn from the international governing body, with Almiron now set to remain in United’s midfield for the trip to Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Bruce confirmed: “It is a difficult one for the players, very difficult, because all they want to do is play football. The ultimate is to play for your country, and I understand that, and play on a Saturday. So they have been drawn into a very difficult situation.
“However, a bit of common sense has prevailed with Almiron and is available. We are extremely pleased that he is available for selection.”
Collectively the Premier League made a decision to block players travelling from ‘red-list countries’ on August 24.
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Hide AdTheir statement read: “Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month.
“The clubs’ decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window.”
It continued: “If required to quarantine on return from red list countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two Premier League match rounds, a UEFA club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup.
“This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that would be required for players to regain match fitness.
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Hide Ad“Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted”
Only Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa broke ranks, allowing their Argentine players to travel to South America - a move which ended in farce as said players were removed from the pitch and the game abandoned against Brazil.
FIFA rules state a five-day playing restriction can automatically be applied if a national association requests it. - but this will not be applied with Almiron. It is not known if this applies to other South American players.