Paraguay international Anthony Silva says Miguel Almiron's injury is not as bad as first feared.
The Newcastle United star has been out of action since the 1-1 draw against Wolves on February 27, being replaced at half-time after suffering a knee injury.
Almiron's absence added to a growing injury list that included fellow influential attacking players Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin, with the Magpies subsequently failing to create gilt-edged chances in draws with West Brom and Aston Villa.
Yet, speaking to Versus Radio in his homeland, Paraguay goalkeeper Silva, who also plays for Puebla, claimed that the 27-year-old is fine and that concerns over his injury have been overstated.
He said: "I spoke with Miguel and it is not as much as they say about his injury. He told me that he is fine."
Almiron has already been spared a lengthy journey to Paraguay later this month, with CONMEBOL postponing the latest round of South American World Cup qualifiers due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Steve Bruce has talked up the prospect of the former Atlanta United star being available to feature in this weekend's relegation six-pointer against Brighton & Hove Albion as he ruled Wilson out of the game.
"We will see how they progress of course," he said.
"It's going to be a little too early for Callum, we can already dismiss that.
"Miggy's a different option. He's going along very, very nicely, so we'll keep our fingers crossed."
With five goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, Almiron is the Magpies' second-highest scorer this season and has proven himself to be a key part of Bruce's side.
