Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin’s injury layoff could come to an end this weekend.
The Frenchman has missed the Magpies’ previous two games, not even making the bench for the draw with West Ham and the win at Brentford.
Newcastle have done well in his absence, with Jacob Murphy taking his place in the starting XI.
But while Eddie Howe’s side have been thriving, Saint-Maximin has been recovering away from the North East. The 24-year-old was reportedly in contention to return against Brentford, but obviously that didn’t happen.
However, Saint-Maximin is now back in the country, and will be eyeing a comeback against Brighton this weekend.
If Allan Saint-Maximin is fit, he starts
While Newcastle have done well without Saint-Maximin, they could be even better with him. If he’s fit enough to face the Seagulls on Saturday, he has to start.
Murphy has done alright over the past two games, but doesn’t have the game-changing ability that Saint-Maximin possesses.
The Toon number 10 can carry games on his own, creating moments of magic out of nothing. Frank Lampard recently described Saint-Maximin as ‘unplayable‘ after Newcastle beat his Everton side 3-1.
In contrast, Murphy can sometimes be inconsistent and erratic with his final ball. We’ve seen brilliance from him at times, but never on a consistent basis.
Newcastle have been brilliant in the previous two games, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need Saint-Maximin. The win over Brentford was only the fourth time that Newcastle have won a Premier League game without Saint-Maximin since he joined the club.
If he’s fit enough to start on Saturday, he simply has to return to the starting XI in place of Murphy.
Doubt emerges from Wednesday update
But the big question remains: Will he be fit?
The club released a plethora of training photos on Wednesday in preparation for the game against Brighton this weekend. The most interesting name in attendance was Santiago Munoz, but the biggest story was who wasn’t there.
There was no Saint-Maximin in sight, perhaps suggesting a comeback isn’t as imminent as we’d hope. The club might be trying to keep the Frenchman’s return under wraps, but time could be running out him to feature against the Seagulls.
Hopefully we receive a bit more information when Howe speaks to the press on Friday. Newcastle have proven over the past couple of games that they don’t necessarily need him back – but he would be a huge boost.
If he’s fit, he starts. It’s as simple as that.
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