This is why Miguel Almiron was omitted from Newcastle United’s squad at Tottenham Hotspur

Eddie Howe confirmed Miguel Almiron missed Newcastle United’s 5-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur due to illness.

The attacking midfielder returned to the club’s training ground on Friday after being on international duty with Paraguay, where he scored in their 3-1 victory over Ecuador, but did not travel to North London on Sunday.

Almiron, 28, had started the Magpies’ previous two games against Chelsea and Everton but will face competition to regain his place from regulars Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser, plus Jacob Murphy.

Howe revealed prior to United’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that illness had hit the dressing room, some of which was Covid-19 during the international break.

The 44-year-old said: “We’ve got a little bit of illness in the camp like most teams have around the country.

“We’ve had a little bit of Covid during the break, like most teams, players and staff actually. It’s under control.

“Illness doesn’t only weaken you physically, but also mentally. It’s about building those players back up to make sure they’re 100% when the game comes around.”

Also missing from the matchday squad were Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Federico Fernandez.

Howe hoped he could push Trippier back to action “quite quickly”, however after going for a scan on Friday, the England right-back will need a little more time to recover from his broken metatarsal.

Wilson, who has been ruled out with a calf injury since December, remains “slightly behind” Trippier in his recovery but the pair are likely to return before the end of the season.

Fernandez, meanwhile, hasn’t featured for United since the 1-0 home win over Burnley after suffering with a calf and separate muscular problem.