Allan Saint-Maximin to miss two matches, as Newcastle visit Tottenham

NEWCASTLE: Head coach Eddie Howe has suffered a serious forward-line injury blow, with the news that Allan Saint-Maximin is likely to miss at least Newcastle’s next two games.

The Frenchman has started just four games for United this season, the most recent of which was a 1-1 away draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in August.

“I haven’t seen too much of Allan in the last few days as we’ve been preparing for games but I think he’s making good progress,” said Howe.

“He’s very focused on his recovery and working very hard with the physios to get his injury right.”

United travel to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday looking to extend their six-game unbeaten streak in the top flight. Arab News understands 25-year-old Saint-Maximin will definitely miss that trip and is a major doubt for a visit from managerless Aston Villa the following Saturday.

Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is another doubt for Sunday after he was withdrawn halfway through the 1-0 home win over Everton in midweek.

“He had a knock to the side of his knee,” said Howe. “It was quite an unusual one as we thought it was a knock and hopefully he could run it off.

“Joe is the type of lad that is very mentally strong and can play with lots of different injuries, so when he said he had to come off at half-time, we knew there was a potential issue there. We’re hopeful it’s not serious but at this moment in time, it’s slightly unclear.”

In other news, Howe confirmed his reasons, and the club’s, for taking a second trip to Saudi Arabia this year. It was announced this week that the Magpies will visit Riyadh from Dec. 4 to 10 and face Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in a friendly on Dec. 8. United previously spent time in Jeddah in January, during