Newcastle United look to have put themselves in a brilliant position to beat the drop this season, but recent injury woes could hinder their upturn in form.
They are already without Kieran Trippier and Allan Saint-Maximin isn’t confirmed to be returning yet. While form has still been impressive without the duo, you sense that they’ll need their best players back as soon as possible to keep the run going.
Newcastle host Brighton later today, with Eddie Howe confirming the Frenchman was yet to train with the side. That’s the only update since the Brentford victory last time out.
Will PIF bring silverware to Newcastle?
Yes!
No!
Huge Blow to Eddie Howe?
There have been suggestions in the past, pre-takeover, that the tricky winger was actually too good for Newcastle, with a better move only a matter of time away. He’s undoubtedly been one of their best players this season.
In the league, Saint-Maximin has racked up five goals and three assists. That puts him just the one goal behind Callum Wilson, but top of the assists chart. This shows how important he’s been to the Magpies this season, not only taking chances but creating them for others.
It hasn’t been all doom and gloom without him though, Howe’s side has been in inspired form, picking up a draw with high flying West Ham before beating Brentford. So while they have coped without him, his potential return will ‘give everyone a lift’ according to his manager.
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Miguel Almiron chance?
It has been a difficult season for Miguel Almiron on Tyneside, struggling to make an impact. He has 21 appearances to his name, but is yet to be involved in a single goal, a disappointing return for a forward player.
Although playing plenty of games, he’s only started in 11 of them, being subbed on for his other appearances. He has 12 minutes under his belt in the two games that Saint-Maximin has missed, showing what Howe thinks of him.
If the Frenchman is absent today and Almiron gets minutes, he really needs to take his opportunity with both hands. Newcastle’s new found spending power means they can replace those players not fancied instead of persisting with them. Is Almiron running out of time and chances at St James’ Park?
In other news, Joe Willock praised