Allan Saint-Maximin started on the bench against Leicester City on Tuesday night, and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted that the winger still isn’t fully fit.
The Frenchman has had a really difficult season so far, with injuries limiting him to just five starts in all competitions.
He returned to fitness shortly before the World Cup break, but then suffered another blow.
The 25-year-old looked certain to start the FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, but was forced to miss out due to illness.
It was then reported that he would be available for the Carabao Cup quarter final against Leicester, but a place in the starting XI felt unlikely.
That proved to be the case when team news broke at 7pm. Saint-Maximin was back, but only on the bench. Joelinton was on the left wing instead, where he created Newcastle’s first goal then scored the second.
Saint-Maximin did appear late in the second half, and Howe has explained why he was only a substitute against the Foxes.
Saint-Maximin isn’t fully fit
After the game, Howe spoke to the Northern Echo about Saint-Maximin’s fitness.
“Maxi is still feeling the effects of his illness,” Howe said.
“But he was well enough to take the field (against Leicester). I thought he did well when he came on.
“It was great to get the group together, and I include Alex and Maxi being back in that. The look of our bench looked very strong, there was a good look about the group.”
Maxi desperate for a stroke of luck
At the moment, it is difficult to see ASM getting back into the starting XI. Joelinton is playing so well on the left, while there is less need for the Brazilian in the middle with Sean Longstaff excelling. On top of that, Alexander Isak is also trying to force his way into Howe’s side.
It is a strange turn of events for Saint-Maximin, who was once the main man and only hope at St James’ Park.
But his role is changing, and he now faces a real challenge to return to the side. He certainly has a place in it – there is no denying that. On his day, the attacker can do things with a football that we could only dream of.
However, Newcastle have the perfect balance at the moment, meaning Saint-Maximin is resigned to the bench. Illness hasn’t helped either, as he could have put himself back in the conversation if he had impressed against Sheff Wed.
While it has been a brilliant season for the club, it has been a frustrating one for Maxi. If anything, it is hard to believe that we have done so well without him.
Fitness continues to be an issue, and hopefully he is well enough to play more of a role against Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
