Newcastle boosted by Almiron contract extension, return of Guimaraes and Willock for cup final

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United have received a double boost ahead of the Carabao Cup final with Manchester United.

Top scorer Miguel Almiron has been rewarded for his goal-laden 2022-23 form with a new three-and-a-half-year contract, announced on the eve of the League Cup showpiece at Wembley on Sunday.

And on the fitness front, Eddie Howe’s midfield options have not only been boosted by the return from suspension of Bruno Guimaraes, but also Joe Willock, who has been pictured training having appeared to shake off a hamstring problem which kept him out of last weekend’s Premier League loss to Liverpool.

The return of Willock poses a selection dilemma for Howe, who could opt to trade out Allan Saint-Maximin and solidify down the left after shipping two goals to the Reds last weekend. He could also switch Alexander Isak for second top scorer Callum Wilson.

One player certain of a place in the side, however, is Almiron.

The Paraguayan has been a key component in United’s rise this campaign, netting 10 goals in his 23 top flight games to date, an incredible tally when compared against his nine goals in the previous three years in the competition.

And the club have moved to secure the 29-year-old to a longer-term deal — much to the delight of the player.

He said: “I am very happy to sign a new contract with Newcastle.

“I felt at home at Newcastle from the beginning. I’ve felt very welcomed and I feel like part of the family, so I am very happy to stay here and I am going to keep giving everything on the pitch to thank the people of Newcastle.

“The truth is that I've worked really hard since I came to Newcastle to improve my level and to be where I am at the moment, and I also thank the staff and my teammates, who have