Allan Saint-Maximin was brought off injured within just fifteen minutes of Newcastle’s clash with Spurs this afternoon, and Toon fans are furious at the decision to start him.
ASM was a doubt for the match earlier in the week, having only just recovered from a hamstring strain.
The Frenchman only returned to regular training on Monday, and his explosive game style meant rushing him back into action would be a potential risk.
But it was a risk Steve Bruce was willing to take.
A surprise to everyone, ASM started the match in left midfield, but it wasn’t long before Bruce’s gamble fell apart.
Chasing a long ball up the wing from Matt Ritchie, Saint-Maximin bizarrely pulled up and it soon became clear the winger had aggravated his hamstring once again.
The Frenchman eventually gave up any attempts to continue and was then brought off promptly for Christian Atsu.
Naturally, this turn of events has baffled Toon fans.
The dynamism and skill of ASM is certainly something NUFC have missed in the last few weeks, but if the winger still wasn’t near 100% fitness, he simply shouldn’t have played.
It’s uncertain how much further a set-back this will prove for ASM, and Toon fans are furious at Bruce’s decision.
Toon fans react to ASM injury
https://twitter.com/mgillon81/status/1165651808712318982
https://twitter.com/HarryKeogh5/status/1165651781864644609
https://twitter.com/ShaunIrving_/status/1165651767780139013
https://twitter.com/Jack__1955/status/1165651692408516608
https://twitter.com/NUFC_Index/status/1165653219290361860
https://twitter.com/SteveMcKenna_/status/1165652265446907911
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