Miguel Almiron Set for Early Return From International Duty After Suspension

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has been handed a significant boost ahead of next week's clash with Chelsea, as attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron is set to make a premature return from international duty.

The 26-year-old starred for Paraguay in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Argentina in their World Cup qualifier, winning a penalty and earning the Man of the Match award.

But the Albirroja talisman received a late yellow card for dissent - a booking which leaves him suspended for their upcoming home tie with Bolivia.

Almiron picked up a yellow card for dissent against Argentina on Thursday | JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI/Getty Images

While this is obviously bad news for Paraguay, it comes as a blessing for Newcastle and coach Bruce. According to the Northern Echo, Almiron may decide to return to Tyneside over the weekend, instead of remaining with his international teammates in South America, which leaves him in pole position to recover and build his sharpness ahead of the battle with in-form Chelsea.

The former Atlanta United star would have been unlikely to feature against the Blues from the off in the weekend's early kick off, given he was expected to arrive back in England next Thursday.

This scenario would have left Bruce in a difficult position, whether or not to pick a player who had scarcely trained with his teammates, and may be suffering from the demands of a long-haul flight and international football.

Bruce will be relieved to have Almiron back in the fold | Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

However, Almiron's suspension means he is free to catch an earlier flight back to the north east of England, where he can join up with Bruce and make himself fully available for Saturday's big match.

The Newcastle boss will need him at his disposal, with star striker Callum Wilson likely to miss out through injury after picking up a knock against Southampton prior to the international break.

The Magpies will have a tough afternoon on their hands in trying to stop Frank Lampard's improving Blues, but having the diminutive Paraguayan in their squad will do wonders to their chances in causing an upset.


Source : 90min