Miguel Almiron’s departure from international duty has been confirmed by Paraguay, as an official statement unveils the nature of his recent injury setback.

The update explains that he has incurred a grade one biceps femoris muscle injury, leading to his absence from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. While labeled as a ‘grade one’ injury, signaling a relatively minor issue, the crucial question remains—will he recover in time to face Chelsea in a week’s time?

This news compounds Newcastle’s injury woes, leaving them without a fit right winger, as Jacob Murphy is also unavailable. Adding to the woes, Callum Wilson’s withdrawal from England duty, due to another hamstring issue sidelining him for ‘a number of weeks’, as per Eddie Howe.

Paraguay’s statement, based on Newcastle’s medical review of Almiron, reads: “The medical team of the National Team communicates that, according to the report received from Newcastle United FC (Eng), the player Miguel Almirón suffered a grade 1 muscle injury to the femoral biceps of the right thigh, so he will not be able to be part of the next team qualifying.”

The Paraguayan Football Association has expressed its hope for Miguel Almirón’s swift recuperation as he holds great significance for the team, on and off the pitch.