Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has sent the club and its fans a message on Instagram, ahead of the side’s Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City on Tuesday.
The Tyneside outfit surprisingly lost 2-1 to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup yesterday – a game in which the Frenchman missed due to illness.
Eddie Howe was disappointed by the 25-year-old’s absence, as he has only just recovered from a long-lasting hamstring injury.
“We hope just to get him back to full fitness because he is a game changer, a matchwinner and I think you could see, with him in the team, that result is potentially different,” said Howe.
“All we can do is get him back to his best as quickly as possible.”
Following a wave of support on social media, Saint-Maximin took to his Instagram story to share his gratitude at their response.
Posting an image of inside a gym, the attacker sent a positive message ahead of Tuesday.
“Thanks to everyone for all your messages, didn’t expect this,” he claimed.
“I feel much better this morning.
“The team will be back stronger on Tuesday @nufc”.
Saint-Maximin needs to play on Tuesday
A lack of being clinical in front of goal was evidently a big problem for the Magpies yesterday.
Leading the line for Newcastle, Alexander Isak had two efforts saved by Owls goalkeeper Cameron Dawson.
The Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper also made great saves against Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy in the second half, earning his side a 2-1 win in the FA Cup third round.
The Toon now need to bounce back against Leicester on Tuesday, as they enter the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Realistically, this is the best chance of silverware this season. Therefore, if Howe wants to capitalise on his side’s recent success, he will need Saint-Maximin fit and firing against the Foxes.
The Frenchman’s pace and directness will help expose Brendan Rodgers’ defence, giving the Magpies a strong chance of reaching the competition’s semi-finals.
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