Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has hinted that Miguel Almiron could be involved in the matchday squad for Saturday's away meeting with Aston Villa.
Almiron has been a key figure in Newcastle's side this season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 32 competitive appearances.
However, he has not featured for the Magpies since playing 22 minutes in a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 18.
The Paraguay international has been sidelined with a thigh injury, but Howe has revealed that he is progressing well in his recovery.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe said: "Miggy has done really well. He's ahead of schedule. Fingers crossed he gets through training and he could be available really soon."
The Newcastle boss was then asked whether the 29-year-old could be available for Saturday's trip to Villa Park.
Howe replied: "It's a possibility. We'll have to see how he trains today, he's had limited training time but he's looked really good.
"He's been really committed to his rehab. He's been away a couple of times for injections, spent a bit of time in Barcelona, but he's come back and really kicked on. He's a very professional lad, that's why he's back quicker than we thought he would be."
Allan Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, is ruled out for a second straight game after he missed last weekend's victory over Brentford with a hamstring problem.
The Frenchman has been given permission to return to his homeland to work on his recovery, and Howe is not overly concerned about the injury issue.
"We don't think it's a serious injury, but he's away getting treatment at the moment," the Newcastle boss said. "He's not with us. Hopefully, at some stage next week, he will come back and be available very soon."
Bruno Guimaraes appeared to roll his ankle prior to the away meeting with Brentford, but he went on to play the duration of the contest.
Howe has revealed that Guimaraes has been assessed ahead of the weekend, and as it stands, he is "fully fit" to feature against the Villans.
Having won their last five matches, third-placed Newcastle are three points better off than Tottenham Hotspur, who sit just outside the Champions League places and have played a game more than the Magpies. body check tags ::
