Liverpool's hopes of a Premier League title triumph have been given a boost with the news that Newcastle are without Miguel Almiron for next Saturday's meeting.
Almiron became the most expensive footballer in Newcastle's history when the Magpies forked out £20million to land the attacker from MLS side Atalanta United on transfer deadline day.
The Paraguay international had made a bright start to life at St James' Park and starred for Rafa Benitez's men as they downed Southampton 3-1 on Saturday.
However, Almiron was forced off in the 64th minute with a hamstring problem and appeared to be on the verge of tears as he left the pitch.
It has now been confirmed that the £20m forward will miss the rest of Newcastle's season, ruling him out of next week's clash against Jurgen Klopp's title-chasing Reds at St James' Park.
A short statement on Newcastle's official website read: "Miguel Almiron will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton.
"The 25-year-old was withdrawn in the 64th minute against the Saints and having been assessed by the club's medical staff, it has been confirmed that he will not be fit for the Magpies' final three matches of the campaign.
"The club have already been in communication with - and will continue to liaise with - the Paraguayan Football Association ahead of this summer's Copa America, which the player could still feature in depending on his recovery."
Almiron has helped provide Benitez's side with an added dimension up top, with his pace and trickery causing problems during his short time in the Premier League.
“He was massive for us from day one," said Benitez after Saturday's home win. "He was giving everybody a lift with his pace, workrate, and his assists."
As disappointing as the news is from a Magpies perspective, the injury setback will be welcomed by the Reds as they face a tricky looking fixture in their penultimate game of the season.
Liverpool head to the North East on Saturday, May 4 (kick-off 7.45pm) for a match that could still have a huge bearing on the destination of the Premier League title.
Despite the potential ramifications of the result, Newcastle moved to urge travelling supporters not to attend the game if they are without a ticket for the Liverpool end.
"The club are aware that there is a demand for tickets from Liverpool supporters way in excess of their allocation and would urge Newcastle United fans not to try and sell their tickets to visiting fans, as this would be a breach of the terms and conditions of their ticket," a statement read.
"Newcastle United would also appeal to Liverpool fans not to try and obtain tickets in the home areas of St James' Park, as it is a breach of the stadium ground regulations for away fans to be in home fan areas.
"Any Liverpool fan found in home areas will be ejected from the stadium."
