MIGUEL Almiron is in contention to return to the Newcastle squad at Aston Villa but Allan Saint-Maximin has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Almiron hasn't played for the Magpies since early-March but is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a thigh injury and, providing there are no complications in training on Friday, he could be part of the Newcastle squad at Villa Park.

But the game will come too soon for Saint-Maximin, who is away in France getting treatment on his problem. Howe says the injury isn't serious and he expects the forward to be available "very soon".

"We said at the time it's not a serious injury but he's away getting treatment and isn't with us," explained the head coach.

"At some stage next week he'll be back and he'll be available very soon."

Saint-Maximin opted to get treatment and go through the recovery process back in his homeland.

Howe said: "I'm comfortable with that, I always have been. I'm a firm believer that you don't have to be in Newcastle to get the best treatment.

"It's always about how the player can come back in the best possible condition. If that means going away to see someone you really like, we do have a member of staff there with him so he's not alone. The staff member is thinking of Newcastle United.

"The work he's doing is good, we're trying to get him back as soon as possible."

Almiron's return is a welcome boost, with the forward initially expected to be out of action until the end of this month.

Howe said: "Miggy has done really well. He's ahead of schedule. Fingers crossed he gets through training and he could be available really soon."

Asked whether he could be involved at Villa Park, Howe said: "It's a possibility. We'll have to see how he trains today, he's had limited training time but he's looked really good.

"He's been really committed to his rehab. He's been away a couple of times for injections, spent a bit of time in Barcelona, but he's come back and really kicked on. He's a very professional lad, that's why he's back quicker than we thought he would be."