On a day when Allan Saint-Maximin was been nominated for the Premier League player of the month for September, his recent form wasn’t enough to earn a call up to the French national team.
Didier Deschamps announced his team for the upcoming Nations League semi-final clash against Belgium but Saint-Maximin’s name was not on the squad list.
But what does Saint-Maximin’s French snub mean for Newcastle United?
Reduces chance of injury
Following our trip to Wolves on Saturday, Newcastle don’t play for 15 days until we welcome Tottenham to St. James’ Park.
With Callum Wilson injured, keeping Saint-Maximin fit is paramount to our chances of gaining further crucial points in the battle against relegation.
Following the conclusion of the October international break it would be a welcomed boost if Wilson is not that far off from full fitness and a first team return.
If Saint-Maximin would have gone away with France and picked up an injury, the the mood around the club would have deepened and our attacking threat in matches would have practically vanished in his absence.
Is Deschamps sending ASM a message?
Saint-Maximin wasn’t selected in the side despite Kingsley Coman being unavailable.
However, Anthony Martial who has hardly featured for Manchester United at all this season retains his place in the squad.
It must be difficult for Saint-Maximin knowing that although he is in the form of his life, a player like Martial, who is on the periphery of the Manchester United team, is getting the nod ahead of him.
It could well be that Deschamps is sending a message to Saint-Maximin that he wants the 24-year-old playing for a club who is playing in Europe.
Every forward that Deschamps selected is playing for a team that either features in the Champions League or Europa League.
On a day where Saint-Maximin’s form was been acknowledged at domestic level, it could well be that he’ll have to secure a big money move to be considered a viable option for the senior French national team moving forwards.
On current form and with a contract until 2026, Mike Ashley would want to make a considerable profit on the £16.5m (BBC Sport) signing from Nice.
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