Allan Saint-Maximin has missed Newcastle United’s previous five games, but it looks like he is now going to return against Arsenal.
Newcastle take on title contenders Arsenal at St James’ Park, and it appears that Eddie Howe is going to have almost a fully fit squad.
Sean Longstaff and Saint-Maximin missed Sunday’s win over Southampton, but it has since been reported that they are going to be back in training this week.
Now ASM has taken to social media to deliver a message to Toon fans ahead of his imminent comeback.
Allan Saint-Maximin confirms he is ‘back’
The 26-year-old has posted two pictures to his official Instagram account. He appears to be at home in the first, donning a black and white hoodie and a myriad of gold accessories. The second picture is of him in his Newcastle kit, taken from his last game at St James’ Park. That was the 2-0 win over Manchester United.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Alongside a piece of scripture from the bible, Saint-Maximin writes ‘I AM BACK’ in capital letters, adding that he is black and white ‘forever’.
It is not difficult to read between the lines, but the best part about ASM’s Instagram post is the reply from his friend and Newcastle target Marcus Thuram. The forward had noticed something rather comical about the first picture Saint-Maximin posted, pointing out that he is wearing a watch on each wrist.
Thuram replied: “Two clocks in case you don’t know what time it is.”
Newcastle’s big game player returns for Arsenal
Saint-Maximin so often delivers in the big games at St James’ Park, and it looks like he will get the chance to do just that on Sunday.
It is a huge game this weekend, taking on the team that are trying to stop Manchester City from winning the Premier League.
It will also be vital in the race to qualify for the Champions League, as Newcastle could start the day with just a three point gap over Liverpool. They play twice before we kick off against Arsenal.
Howe will know fine well how difficult this game will be, and he will be buoyed by the fact that Saint-Maximin and Longstaff will be available.
While the latter is likely to start, ASM will provide more depth in reserve. Given his hamstring problem, there is surely no way he will start.
But he is a great weapon to have on the bench, and hopefully we get to see him in action this weekend.