Huge boost: Howe handed big NUFC injury lift pre-Brentford that'll delight fans - opinion

Newcastle have been handed an injury lift over Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of their clash with Brentford…

According to The Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder, the Magpies “hope” that he will be fit and ready to face the Bees next weekend in the Premier League after watching on from the sidelines on Saturday.

He simply tweeted: “Newcastle United hope Allan Saint-Maximin will face Brentford.”

The report claims that he injured his calf in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa, with the Toon now set to have him back in the squad for their next match.

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this news as his return will be a huge boost for Eddie Howe’s team on Saturday.

Jacob Murphy lined up in his place for the 1-1 draw with West Ham and did a respectable job in the Frenchman’s absence. As per SofaScore, he created two chances and made two tackles, although he also lost six of his nine duels and failed with all of his crossing attempts.

Whilst it was a decent display from the former Norwich man, it was not the whirlwind performance supporters are used to seeing from Saint-Maximin. The ex-Nice forward has been sublime this season and his unpredictability in the final third was missed at times against the Hammers.

In the Premier League this season, only Kieran Trippier has averaged a higher SofaScore rating than him. This suggests that he could be the best player at Howe’s disposal in the coming weeks and months, as the England international is currently out injured.

Saint-Maximin has averaged a score of 7.00 across 23 league matches. He has netted five goals and provided three assists as he has shown that he can be a difference-maker in the final third with his ability to score and create goals for the Toon.

His ability on the ball also