Newcastle United were rocked by a major injury blow in their clash with Southampton at St James' Park.
With 63 minutes on the clock Toon playmaker Miguel Almiron went off clutching his hamstring and left the pitch in tears for what could be a crushing injury blow.
Almiron was facing assessment tonight on a day in which he had left the Saints defence rattled with a series of lung-busting runs.
As Almiron was replaced by Christian Atsu he was afforded a standing ovation by the majority of the 52,191 crowd.
The ex-Atlanta United man had managed two shots on target and 34 touches overall.
Rafa Benitez's injury woe was further compounded when Fabian Schar went off with a knee injury and was replaced by Federico Fernandez before the end.
Losing Almiron for the run-in would be a huge blow for Benitez, who knows he will also have a nervous summer with the Copa America just around the corner.
Almiron is deemed the key man for Paraguay at the tournament which takes place in June.
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