Eddie Howe provides injury update on Allan Saint-Maximin

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Allan Saint-Maximin. The winger missed the clash with Brentford last weekend. The Magpies won 2-0.

Howe spoke to the press ahead of their match against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend (via Newcastle’s Twitter account).

The Englishman said: “Maxi hasn’t trained yet with us but we’re hoping he does today. We’ll have to make a decision based off how he looks and how is injury status is after the session. Other than that, we’re as we were pre-Brentford.”

The Toon are unbeaten in 2022 and look to extend that streak this weekend. Brighton have only won once in their last five matches.

If Saint-Maximin is to return, it should be from the bench

Considering that the Frenchman will have only trained once this week, it’s best not to put him in from the start. There’s a possibility it could be worse off in the long term.

His lack of training should mean if he is to come back he should come off the bench. 20 minutes or so could be enough for Saint-Maximin to make an impact against the Seagulls.

Furthermore, if the Toon are in a comfortable enough position near the end of the game they can afford to rest him. After all, the win without him against Brentford could be a sign that they’re not as reliant on him as they once were.

With Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier being important players on the sidelines, Howe and his side can’t afford another long term injury to a key player.

Newcastle will hope that the in-form Ryan Fraser can continue his hot streak. He put in a strong performance against the Bees, arguably his best in his Toon career thus far. The Scot played on the left side many times for Howe at Bournemouth, where Saint-Maximin usually plays.

A return for the 24-year-old could offer a huge boost for Newcastle. Even if it’s off the bench he could provide a bit of magic that could turn the tide in favour of the Magpies this weekend.

Victory would give Newcastle 28 points and put them only 5 behind their opponents. Depending on the outcome of other results it could push them further away from the drop zone.