Big blow: NUFC dealt worrying "late call" ahead of Brentford that'll leave fans gutted - opinion

A worrying update has emerged on Newcastle United attacker Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of the club’s clash with Brentford.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has stated that they will make a “late call” on the forward and that the knock will not keep him out for a significant period of time.

Alistair Magowan quoted him as saying: “He’s been away getting intensive treatment. He said when he suffered the injury, it wouldn’t be long term. So we will keep our fingers crossed on him.”

This comes after he was absent for the 1-1 draw with West Ham, having picked up a blow against Aston Villa in the previous outing.

Newcastle fans will surely be gutted by this news as Saint-Maximin being ruled out of this match would be a big blow to the side.

Only Callum Wilson (six) has scored more goals for the Magpies than the Frenchman (five) this season and the ex-Bournemouth striker is currently sidelined through injury. The club’s next top scorer is Jonjo Shelvey with just two Premier League strikes and this suggests that losing Saint-Maximin would be a major blow to the side’s chances of scoring.

Not only is he a goal threat himself but he is also the chief creator. His tally of three assists in the top-flight is more than any other player in the squad has managed and his 4.6 dribbles per game place him 3.2 clear of any other in the team, highlighting how impressive he has been in comparison to his teammates.

This shows that Howe would be missing out on a player with a huge attacking threat and someone who can counter quickly with the ball at his feet. Saint-Maximin’s exciting ability to take the ball past defenders on the dribble opens up so much space for himself and others and they would sorely miss that if he is unable to play today.

Therefore,