Injury expert Ben Dinnery has said that Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin seemed in ‘great nick’ when he saw him at Darsley Park earlier this week.
Saint-Maximin had been out of action since the end of August before coming off the bench for a short cameo against Brentford three weeks ago.
The Frenchman however, has since suffered a setback and hasn’t featured.
But speaking to the media on Friday, manager Eddie Howe did suggest that there was a “chance” the dazzling winger would be available for the visit of Aston Villa this weekend.
Now Dinnery has provided an encouraging update on the 25-year-old’s fitness. Speaking on the Premier FPL Injuries YouTube channel, he said: “Saint-Maximin’s on the cusp of a return. I was actually up the training ground this week and he looks fine, he looks in good nick.
“That’s an irritation of the hamstring again, not an injury as such, but given he’s had a couple of setbacks, he’s just been protected by Eddie Howe.
“I’m expecting him to be in the matchday squad this weekend, but certainly not ready to start.”
TIF Thoughts on Dinnery’s comments…
Is Saint-Maximin Newcastle's best player?
Yes!
No!
With the Magpies in fourth they would be welcoming back a man who was at his scintillating best prior to his injury.
According to WhoScored, only Kiera Trippier is performing better than the former Nice ace who had grabbed two assists against Manchester City and a last-gasp equaliser versus Wolves in the two immediate games prior to his original injury.
Howe has admitted during his absence that the side missed the £93k-per-week sparkplug and his recovery will be another major boost to the Toon’s already exciting season.