EXCLUSIVE: Miguel Almiron injury update after NUFC star leaves field in tears at Copa America

After being forced off with a suspected hamstring injury in last night's final group game against Uruguay, we've reached out to @RobertoRojas97 - a Paraguayan-American journalist - for an early update on Miguel Almiron's fitness.

The 27-year-old left the field in tears and the early signs suggest his tournament is over - which would be gutting given Paraguay are set to face Peru in the quarter finals on Friday - however Rojas believes the injury is NOT serious enough to worry Newcastle United ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Speaking exclusively to Roberto, here's what he had to say when we asked for the latest on Almiron's injury scare:

"After a run, Almiron grabbed the back of the left thigh and was unable to continue. Oscar Romero entered as his replacement in the 33rd minute.

"Eduardo Berizzo [Paraguay's head coach] said in the press conference afterwards that it’s a pulled muscle that will be evaluated in the next few days, but said that hopefully it is nothing serious and he can be part of Friday's game against Perú.

"I'm hearing rumours he’ll be fine for the upcoming season for Newcastle but he’s out of the Copa America.

"Obviously nothing is confirmed until it is, but my guess is that he will stay with the team until Paraguay finish the Copa America and then jet off to England, but it's been suggested that he is out for the rest of the tournament."

So, it seems his tournament is over, however he's likely to remain with the national side for as long as they remain in the tournament - something which could impact our pre-season plans on Tyneside given training is set to resume next week.

It is, however, reassuring that the early signs suggest the injury isn't serious enough to see him miss the start of the 2021/22 season - despite the fact he came off visibly distressed.

We'd like to thank Roberto for his time and wish Miggy a speedy recovery. Hopefully Paraguay can go on to beat Peru on Friday in his absence!

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