Newcastle United injury concern & boost ahead of Burnley as key man trains separately

Newcastle United are set to welcome back Miguel Almiron for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley (kick-off 3pm).

The Paraguayan has been pictured back in full training this week following a month out with a knee injury. Almiron has missed the last five matches but is ready to return for the season run-in.

With Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Nick Pope also sidelined, Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe revealed last Friday that Almiron was closest to returning and would be “there or thereabouts” for Burnley.

“They’re getting closer but they’re not close enough for this match,” said Howe ahead of the 5-1 win at home to Sheffield United. “They’re all in different positions so it’s difficult to bracket them as one.

“Nick is beginning to start his early training sessions with us. He has started to be with outfield players in shooting drills. Joelinton has seen a specialist and is working on his own programme. Miggy is there or thereabouts and could be back next week.”

Howe also revealed Trippier is edging closer to a return following eight weeks out with a calf injury. It is hoped the right-back will be back for the remaining three games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United and Brentford.

The England international has trained separately away from Newcastle’s Benton training ground this week having travelled to the NAS Sports Complex in Dubai with a fitness coach.

Positing an update on Instagram, Trippier said: “So happy to be back on the grass training. Looking to be back really soon.”

Meanwhile, the severity of Fabian Schar’s hamstring is yet to be disclosed after the defender was forced off at half-time against the Blades.

The Switzerland international, who has started every Premier League match this season, was not spotted in the training gallery published by the club on Wednesday.

Speaking about Schar’s injury at the weekend, Howe said: “He had a bit of tightness in his hamstring, I don’t think it’s a big injury. There’s not one moment where you think he has pulled his hamstring but it was enough to make him feel uncomfortable and he couldn’t fully sprint so he had to come off. 

“We were going to make the change and he said he was fine and wanted to carry on. But at half-time it was clear he couldn't, that's why we made the change.”