Journalist Craig Hope has confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin will return to the Newcastle United matchday squad this weekend.
Saint-Maximin has missed the last four games for Newcastle due to injury, but Eddie Howe revealed last week that he had trained on Friday. However, he wasn’t risked against Fulham and that extra rest may now see him fit and ready to go this weekend.
The French winger recently posted on Instagram that his comeback was imminent, which also points toward the fact he will indeed be ready to play at St James’ Park for the first time since 21st August when the Magpies drew 3-3 with Manchester City.
Hope, who was speaking on the True Faith podcast, has now confirmed Saint-Maximin will 100% be fit to play this weekend in what is a major boost.
He said: “In terms of injuries, the last big update I had was last week, and we broke that on the Daily Mail that Bruno was back, that Wilson was back, that Shelvey was nearing a return, that Isak was definitely out and that Maxi had a chance of being on the bench.
Should Saint-Maximin start vs Brentford?
Yes!
No!
“Now, I haven’t had any major information since then, but certainly at the time it was that if Saint-Maximin didn’t make Saturday, he would certainly make the Saturday after, so 100% expect him to be involved against Brentford.”
TIF Thoughts on Saint-Maximin returning…
Having a fit Saint-Maximin back will be a major boost for Eddie Howe as he looks to guide his side to just their second home win of the season and also make it back-to-back victories having dominated Fulham last weekend.
The French winger is simply irreplaceable at Newcastle as he leads the team in progressive yards carried with the ball, dribbles and goal-creating actions (as per FBref), so his return can only be positive for Howe.
Whether or not he’s fit enough to start on Saturday remains to be seen, but even if he isn’t, having Saint-Maximin to come off the bench and change the game would see Howe possess arguably one of the best impact substitutes in the league given he’s previously been labelled ‘breathtaking’ and ‘unplayable’ by Gary Neville and Rob Lee respectively.