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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has hinted that Miguel Almiron could be drafted back into the starting line-up against Nottingham Forest, with the player taking a “rest” in the win over Wolves.

The Paraguayan international was named on the bench for the weekend’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park, with Jacob Murphy starting in his place. Almiron came off the bench in the second half of the game to score what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

That ended a five game winless streak for the Magpies. Almiron also found that goals had dried up in the weeks leading up to the game against Wolves, with the winger scoring just once in his previous seven Premier League starts.

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It led to talk of the player being dropped from the starting XI after a difficult few weeks. But Howe has said that is not the case, hinting that he could be back in the squad when Newcastle travel to the City Ground.

“I wouldn’t say he’s had a difficult six weeks. I think he’s been excellent,” the Newcastle boss said, via ChronicleLive.

“Maybe he hasn’t had the goals he had at the beginning of the season, but by his high standards, that’s very hard to replicate consistently. I just felt a rest and update from him would do him a lot of good.” “

The match at the City Ground is important for both teams for different reasons. Three points for Forest will move them further away from the dreaded relegation zone.

The Reds are currently just two points out of the bottom three positions as the fight for survival intensifies at the end of the season. Newcastle, meanwhile, aim to play European football next season.

The Magpies currently sit fifth in the table, four points behind Tottenham Hotspur in last place in the Champions League.

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