Early morning update: Journalist reveals ASM's chances of featuring for Newcastle vs Brighton

Allan Saint-Maximin is set to return to the Newcastle United squad for their game against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend, according to Dominic Scurr. 

Saint-Maximin has missed the last two matches for Eddie Howe’s side with a minor injury.

Data from WhoScored shows that he leads the Magpies’ Premier League squad for assists (three), successful dribbles per game (4.6) and free kicks won per game, while only Callum Wilson has scored more goals (six versus five).

Newcastle have managed to cope fairly well in his absence, though, picking up four points from the two matches against West Ham United (1-1) and Brentford (2-0).

Shields Gazette journalist Scurr tweeted on Tuesday morning that Saint-Maximin ‘is back at NUFC’ after a prolonged rehabilitation period in his homeland France.

He then added the all-important update fans have been hoping for – ‘he is set to be back in contention’ for the clash with The Seagulls.

Remarkably, given Saint-Maximin’s aforementioned numbers, there’s a debate to be had over whether he should come straight back into the starting line-up.

Ryan Fraser had what Newcastle World’s Liam Kennedy dubbed his ‘best game’ for the club against Brentford, assisting Joelinton’s opener and creating seven chances overall.

Kennedy says the left wing slot in Howe’s 4-3-3 is Fraser’s ‘correct position’, but says the problem is that’s ‘also where Saint-Maximin plays’.

Will the manager want to shift Fraser away from that role to accommodate the Frenchman after what he saw at the weekend? Or will a tactical rethink be needed?

In other news, Newcastle are willing to fork out £25m for this signing.

Source