Miguel Almiron made his first appearance in more than seven weeks as the Newcastle United forward completed a full 90 minutes for Paraguay on Sunday.
The 25-year-old had not played since leaving the St James' Park pitch in tears after suffering from a hamstring injury during the Magpies' 3-1 victory over Southampton on April 20, the game which secured United's Premier League status.
Part of the reason why Almiron appeared so emotional when he pulled up with the muscular problem was that he initially feared he would miss this summer's Copa America, but the diagnosis proved more positive than that.
Although the January signing did miss Newcastle's final three games of season, before sitting out Paraguay's 1-1 draw with Honduras on Wednesday due to suspension, he played the full 90 minutes of Sunday's friendly against Guatemala.
Almiron laid on an assist during the 2-0 victory at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, and he will be hopeful of impressing when Paraguay begin their Copa America campaign in Brazil this Sunday.
After taking on Asian Cup champions Qatar, Paraguay then face Argentina and Colombia in Group B - with the top two sides in the pool automatically advancing to the knock-out stages, while the best third-placed teams also progress.
With the final of the Copa America not taking place until July 7, Almiron is likely to miss the start of pre-season training with Newcastle as he will be afforded at least a fortnight's holiday once Paraguay's involvement in the tournament ends.
Manager Rafa Benitez has asked the players to return to Tyneside by July 4, though those involved in international competitions will be afforded additional rest time.
