Newcastle: Big update on Allan Saint-Maximin starting vs Brighton

Allan Saint-Maximin is unlikely to start for Newcastle against Brighton this weekend, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The flying winger has missed the last two Premier League games with a calf problem but could return to the squad for the visit of Graham Potter’s side.

The Frenchman’s history injury hasn’t been great since signing for Newcastle, missing more than 30 games in his two-and-a-half years with various different issues.

However, the attacker has managed to keep himself fit this season, starting 22 of the opening 23 league fixtures this season.

But Saint-Maximin suffered a calf problem against Aston Villa last month, which forced him to miss out against both West Ham and then Brentford last weekend.

Eddie Howe was quizzed on his fitness on Friday and said that a late decision will be made on whether he’ll be available for the game.

He said: “Maxi still hasn’t trained with the group yet and we will make a late assessment.

“We’ll have to make a decision based on how he looks and how his injury status is after that training session. Aside from that, I think we’re as we were with team fitness pre-Brentford.”

Even if he is considered fit enough, Downie doesn’t expect him to start the game at St James’ Park.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’d be surprised if Saint-Maximin came straight back and went into the team. He’s very much a manager, if the team does well, he’ll go with that team again.”

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Saint-Maximin remains one of Newcastle’s most important players, with only Callum Wilson (6) outscoring him this season, while he’s provided more assists than anyone else.

But Downie has a point here. The victory at Brentford was one of their best