Rafa Benitez is optimistic that Miguel Almiron will recover quickly from his hamstring injury.
The former MLS playmaker hobbled out of St James' Park and needs treatment after coming off the field after 63 minutes against Southampton . Almiron was visibly upset as he left the field , which had fans fearing the worst.
But the early indications are that his injury is not a long-term issue.
And Benitez said after the game: "It is his (Almiron) first injury of this type.
"He was doing well and the fans love him.
"He was working very hard, and it is not easy for a player who was doing well in another country, at a massive club in front of 52,000 fans, to then get injured and maybe have to be out for the rest of the season."
Although, with only three games to go, Almiron is expected to make a quick recovery and likely to be available to play for Paraguay this summer at the Copa America.
Reflecting on the win overall, Benitez - who watched Ayoze Perez grab a hat-trick - said: "I am really pleased.
"The players did really well during the whole season, and the fans, both away and at home, have also been really helpful for the group.
"There are a lot of positives.
"To have 41 points at this stage of the season means we are nearly safe.
"We cannot say mathematically we are safe, but we are nearly safe, and now we have three games to try to do our best and finish as high as possible in the table."
Newcastle United star Ayoze Perez thanks team-mates after his hat-trick against Southampton
