Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu will have an opportunity to earn an edge over Miguel Almiron next week after returning from international duty, according to The Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that the 27-year-old could make a lasting impression on manager Rafael Benitez with Almiron not set to return from Paraguay duty until the end of the week.
Atsu will take part in several more training sessions than the former Atlanta United man leading up to the Magpies clash with Arsenal, having lost his place to the club record signing in recent months.
Benitez has a tendency to hand starting opportunities to players who have remained on Tyneside over international breaks, meaning that it would be no great surprise to see Atsu preferred to Almiron against the Gunners.
OPINION
This is an interesting theory put forward by The Chronicle. Almiron has been firmly ahead of Atsu in the pecking order in recent weeks, with the partnership between him and Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon flourishing. With the terrific form of that trio it’s hard to see any of them dropping out of the team against Unai Emery’s side, but their international travails may make Benitez think twice about using them next time out. Almiron has obviously had to go to South America, as has Rondon, but Atsu seems far better positioned to capitalise on Almiron’s absence than someone like Joselu does with Rondon. The Ghanian looked terrific when he came off the bench against Bournemouth last time out – another reason why he might pip Almiron to the post at the Emirates Stadium. It might not be the most popular decision with supporters, but it could well be what Benitez decides to do.
