The Newcastle United midfielder’s country have struggled in their South American qualifying group so far and currently sit ninth – second bottom – but they will face two more matches in March despite being unable to make it to the finals in Qatar later this year.

Paraguay play Ecuador on Thursday, 24th March at Estadio Antonio Aranda (11:30pm kick-off) before rounding off their qualification campaign against Peru at Estadio Nacional de Lima on Wednesday, 30th March (12:30am kick-off).

Almirón has been selected in the 27-man squad for the games by coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, but his side are now unable to finish any higher than sixth in their group.

Meanwhile, Magpies youngster Joel Green has been called up to the Wales Under-18 squad for their friendlies against Finland.

Both games will take place at Colliers Park in Wrexham on Friday, 25th March (1pm kick-off) and Monday, 28th March (11am kick-off), with United defender Green included in the 20-man squad for the behind-closed-doors fixtures.