Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has suggested it’s unlikely Allan Saint-Maximin will be starting against Leeds United tomorrow night.
The Magpies take on the Whites at St. James’ Park in the 6pm kick-off and are in desperate need of a victory.
The club are sliding closer and closer to the relegation zone, with Fulham just seven points behind with a game in hand.
It’s 10 without a win for Newcastle, with Bruce under extreme pressure from the fans.
Some supporters have been hoping that the return of Allan Saint-Maximin can have an inspirational effect.
The winger came off the bench against Aston Villa for his first appearance since the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on November 27, and has been working his way back to full fitness after nursing a calf injury and having Covid.
Asked whether the £16.5 million Frenchman (BBC Sport) could start against Leeds, Bruce said (via The Athletic’s Chris Waugh): “I’d think it’d be too much for him but we’ll see. He’s been out for something like eight weeks. We’ve got to be a little bit clever.”
Saint-Maximin inspiration needed
It is not the answer most Newcastle fans will have been hoping for.
At a time of such desperation, Newcastle need someone to stand up and be counted for.
Someone to show a bit of heart and someone to perhaps produce a bit of game-winning magic.
Saint-Maximin is the man for the job, and hopefully he’ll get enough time on the pitch against Leeds to make a proper impact.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
