Newcastle United star to remain on sidelines for next four weeks after ‘bad’ injury

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has played down hopes of Miguel Almiron completing his injury comeback ahead of schedule.

Howe confirmed after the Magpies’ 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest that Almiron is set to spend six weeks on the sidelines. He sustained a thigh injury in training - just over 24 hours before the game.

While the majority of Howe’s squad spent the first week of the international break in Dubai, the Paraguayan remained on Tyneside and uploaded footage to his Instagram account of him running and doing gym work at the club’s Benton training base.

That led to supporters questioning whether or not Almiron will be back sooner than the initial timescale, however Howe says that is unlikely to happen.

“I don’t see that changing,” the 45-year-old said. “I’d love it to. I’d love him to beat the timescale given, but I just don’t see it currently.

“He’s making really good progress. I think he’s pain-free. I don’t think there are any long-term issues. I think it’s just a case of that’s the time it will take for the muscle to full heal.

“I think we’re four weeks off (a comeback), maybe slightly less. But yeah, he’s making really good progress.”

Almiron had been enjoying his best-ever season in a Newcastle shirt since joining from MLS side Atlanta United in January 2019, with his 11 goals seeing him top the club’s goalscoring ranks.

Jacob Murphy is set to retain his starting spot on the right wing after lively performances against Wolves and Forest. The potential return of Anthony Gordon, however, will provide some welcomed competition ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United at St James’ Park.

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