NEWCASTLE have been dealt a huge blow in the Champions League race with Miguel Almiron set to miss three weeks through injury.
The Paraguayan has been a key player for the Magpies this season as they look to challenge the Premier League’s established order.
But a knock in training has left him missing the Friday night trip to Nottingham Forest and set for a spell on the sidelines.
He has also not be picked for his international team due to the injury.
Paraguay manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto said: “Miguel Almiron was injured yesterday [Thursday] and will be out for three weeks and it is not necessary for him to come.
“We received the report from his club and we saw the video of the injury.”
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
The development comes as a huge blow to Newcastle who have been fighting to get into the top four.
Almiron, 29, has been leading the charge and can boast 11 Premier League goals this season, more strikes than in his previous four seasons put together.
His latest was a crucial winner against Wolves at St James’ Park last week.
The timing of Almiron’s injury means he may not miss too many games.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The international break spans two weeks and he may only miss the crucial home game against Man United at the beginning of April.
Despite their lofty league position, Toon have struggled for goals this season and have not scored three in a game since Boxing Day.
Injury-hit strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have also not netted as many as they would like and only have 12 in all competitions between them.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
