Newcastle United dealt fresh fitness concern with in-form star ruled out of upcoming match

Miguel Almiron won’t feature for Paraguay in Saturday’s friendly against Colombia due to fitness concerns, according to reports.

The 28-year-old has been in sensational form for the Magpies this season after being named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October.

Almiron scored six goals in as many games last month - the same amount as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland - where his strike at Fulham was voted goal of the month.

Paraguay did not qualify for the World Cup, although boss Guillermo Schelotto opted to arrange friendlies against Peru and Colombia to take place this week.

Almiron started the 1-1 draw with Peru in the early hours of this morning but did not re-emerge for the second half after being replaced by Matias Rojas.

And as per reports in South America, the in-form Magpies star won’t play against Colombia this weekend due to fitness concerns.

The former Atlanta United forward will now be afforded time to rest up ahead of linking up with his Newcastle teammates for the remainder of the campaign.

Eddie Howe has granted some time off to those players not involved in the Qatar World Cup before the likes of Almiron return ready to jet off to Saudi Arabia for a week-long training camp on December 4.

During their visit to Riyadh, United will face Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal and finish what Howe described as a “mini pre-season” with a home against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, December 17.

Howe’s side return to competitive action five days later when they host Bournemouth in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup before making the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City in the Premier League.