Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron devastated by cruel injury blow

Miguel Almiron’s participation in the knockout stages of Copa America is in doubt – after he suffered a hamstring injury.

By Miles Starforth

Published 29th Jun 2021, 08:41 BST- 1 min read

Updated 29th Jun 2021, 08:51 BST

Almiron left the field in tears last night after suffering an apparent hamstring injury in Paraguay’s group stage defeat to Uruguay in Brazil.

The influential Newcastle United midfielder – who has starred for his country in the high-profile tournament – pulled up with half an hour gone in Rio de Janeiro.

Almiron, signed from Atlanta United in January 2019 by then-manager Rafa Benitez, was replaced by Oscar Romero at the Estadio Nilton Santos. The game was decided by a first-half penalty from Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron leaves the field due to an injury.

Paraguay will take on Peru in a quarter-final tie on Friday after finishing third in Group A behind Argentina and Uruguay. They won two of their four group games. However, there are fears in Paraguay that Almiron’s Copa America campaign could be over because of his injury.

Rafa Benitez