One change for Newcastle United against Leicester City as key man returns to matchday squad

Eddie Howe has been forced into making one change to his Newcastle United starting XI to face Leicester City (kick-off 2:15pm).

Dropping out is Ryan Fraser, who picked up a hamstring injury in the Magpies’ 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

Howe confirmed on Friday that Fraser had gone for a scan and the damage was not as bad as first feared. It is, however, enough to rule him out this afternoon.

That has presented an opportunity to Miguel Almiron for just his sixth Premier League start since Howe was appointed head coach in November.

Asked about Almiron during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Miggy is a player we really like, he’s got a very infectious attitude. He works extremely hard and I thought he did really well when he came on against Wolves, he gave us a different dimension. He ran in behind and pressed very well.

“I’d love Miggy to go on a very successful run and do really well. He’s trained very well behind the scenes, his attitude has been excellent from day one since we came. I’m hopeful, if there is an opportunity for him, he can really grasp it.”

Back on the bench are Joe Willock and Federico Fernandez. NewcastleWorld understands Javier Manquillo has dropped out of the squad through illness.

Newcastle United: Martin Dubravka, Jacob Murphy, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Jonjo Shelvey, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Chris Wood. Subs: Karl Darlow, Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie, Federico Fernandez, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff.