Journalist Craig Hope has claimed that Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron could be on the bench this weekend.
What's the latest injury news for Newcastle and Miguel Almiron?
The 29-year-old winger has been out injured for a little while now and has not actually played in any of the club's last four Premier League games.
However, with Aston Villa to face away from home, it looks as though he could be in contention to make a return to the bench.
Indeed, while speaking to the press ahead of this game, manager Eddie Howe provided an interesting update on the winger.
He said (via Shields Gazette) “He’s done really well. He’s ahead of schedule at the moment. Fingers crossed, he gets through training, and could be available very soon.”
He was then asked if Almiron could play against Villa, and remained vague with his answer but admitted it was a “possibility".
While talking about this on his own YouTube channel, Hope claimed that Howe's words were enough to confirm that the Paraguay international will definitely make the bench.
He explained: “We've learned to read Eddie when it comes to fitness and otherwise.
"But for him to say that Miguel Almiron is back and training, and see how he come through today's session, that tells us that he will be on the bench down at Aston Villa tomorrow, which is two weeks ahead of schedule, which is a huge boost for them."
How many Premier League goals has Almiron scored this season?
Before the break for the winter World Cup, Almiron was in the form of his life, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in the Premier League.
Since then, however, the £60k-per-week star has lost a little bit of momentum and form, adding just three more league goals to his tally (for a total of 11 in 25).
Perhaps this little time on the sidelines will have done him so good then, just to let him reset before the final run-in.
At the very least, he certainly seems raring to go if he is indeed ready to get back on the bench to play Aston Villa ahead of schedule.
Indeed, while Howe wasn't prepared to confirm Almiron would play any part, journalist Hope seems to be sure that the winger be involved in some capacity as part of the matchday squad for the first time since 12th March.