MIGUEL ALMIRON'S thigh injury means Newcastle United are unchanged for this evening's Premier League game with Nottingham Forest.

Almiron has suffered an injury setback that has ruled him out of both this evening's game and the forthcoming international break with Paraguay.

Paraguay's manager claimed earlier today that Almiron was set to have an MRI scan on an unspecified injury problem, and his absence from the squad at the City Ground seemingly confirms the forward has met with a setback.

Eddie Howe has subsequently confirmed that Almiron is nursing a thigh injury, and will be sidelined for "a little while". 

His absence means Jacob Murphy continues in the starting line-up at the City Ground, with Anthony Gordon's absence meaning Allan Saint-Maximin continues on the opposite flank.

Joelinton is suspended for the second game in a row, with Joe Willock retaining his place in midfield.

Fabian Schar also remains in the starting line-up despite suggestions from the Swiss international camp that he is also nursing an injury problem.

Former Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey starts for Nottingham Forest, having moved to the City Ground from Tyneside in January.


NOTTM FOREST (4-2-3-1): Navas; Aurier, Niakhate, Felipe, Lodi; Yates, Shelvey; Johnson, Gibbs-White, Dennis; Ayew.

Subs: Hennessey, Worrall, Toffolo, Williams, Colback, Freuler, Scarpa, Danilo, Surridge.  

NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Saint-Maximin.

Subs: Dubravka, Dummett, Lascelles, Wilson, Ritchie, Lewis, Targett, Manquillo, Anderson.