The Magpies midfielder lined up for La Albirroja in the World Cup qualifier in Asuncion, but his side were beaten by a solitary strike from Atlético Madrid frontman Luis Suarez.

Former Liverpool forward Suarez picked up a pass from Diego Godin before producing a stunning strike to settle the contest with 25 minutes remaining at Estadio Defensores del Chaco, all but ending Almirón and his nation's hopes of qualification for the tournament in Qatar later this year.

Paraguay – who had Gustavo Gomez sent off in second half stoppage time – now sit second bottom of the South American qualification group with just two wins from 15 matches, and will face unbeaten leaders Brazil in another qualifier on Wednesday, 2nd February.

Almirón currently has 41 international caps and three goals to his name since making his senior debut in 2015.