Newcastle United could welcome back top scorer Miguel Almiron against Aston Villa this Saturday lunchtime (kick-off 12:30pm).
The Paraguayan hasn’t featured since scoring the winner in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, March 12 after picking up a thigh injury.
Almiron has missed wins over Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, West Ham United & Brentford - and wasn’t expected to return for another fortnight following an initial timescale of six weeks.
However, the 29-year-old has been spotted back in training this week ahead of the visit to the Midlands.
Two of the Premier League’s most in-form teams go head-to-head at Villa Park.
Five straight wins have propelled the Magpies back into the Champions League qualification picture, while Villa’s equally as good form has saw Unai Emery’s men enter the conversation for the top six.
Indeed, Villa are unbeaten in their last seven matches (W6 D1) and will look to avenge their 4-0 defeat at St James’ Park earlier in the campaign.
NewcastleWorld takes a look at which players are expected to miss the encounter:
1. Miguel Almiron - could return
Almiron, United’s top scorer this season, returned to training on Wednesday Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
2. Emil Krafth - out
The Swede has been sidelined since August with an ACL injury. It’s unlikely he’ll be rushed back before the end of the campaign. Photo: Gualter Fatia
3. Matty Cash - out
The Villa right-back picked up a calf injury during the recent international break with Fulham. | Getty Images
4. Boubacar Kamara - out
Kamara hasn’t featured for Villa since being forced to withdraw in their 2-0 win at Chelsea. | Getty Images