Benitez drops big Almiron hint - just moments before good news is reported on a work permit..
Rafa Benitez has hinted that Miguel Almiron may be ready to start next Monday's trip to Wolves - with him already having a few weeks of pre-season training under his belt at Atlanta and his visa now all but sorted.
It's since emerged on Tuesday afternoon that his work permit is all set to be been granted after his trip to Paris - meaning he'll return to Tyneside even earlier than expected and can now train with the rest of the group for the remainder of the week.
Here's what Rafa said when asked if he'd play at Wolves (keep in mind this was him BEFORE news of his work permit being sorted):
"I hope so!
"I think he will be fine with the visa and the work permit, and hopefully then he will train with the team.
"We will see how fit he is, although he was starting the pre-season in America.
"Hopefully, he will be fine."
So, with these comments in mind and the fact he has now been granted a work permit, it seems we may see him against Wolves next week.
We've done well of late, with us quite rightfully unchanged against Spurs after the win at City, but bringing Almiron in for Atsu could make a lot of sense.
The Ghanaian's final ball let us down on a few occasions on the counter last time out, with him yet to bag a goal or assist in 22 games this season, so there'd be little to lose in starting Almiron IF he was fit enough to start.
