Newcastle striker Saint-Maximin faces fitness race ahead of Fulham clash

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has revealed Allan Saint-Maximin has suffered an injury setback — and the Newcastle United forward now faces a race against time to be fit to face Fulham in a fortnight.

Howe’s United lacked cutting edge on Saturday, as their starting XI, minus Saint-Maximin, struggled to break down a resolute AFC Bournemouth at St. James’ Park.

While Alexander Isak netted his second goal in three games since arriving in the summer, a Philip Billing strike ensured honors remained even — and consigned United to their fifth draw in their opening seven Premier League games.

And while Howe admits the Magpies missed their French forward, he is fearful United will have to do without him for a little bit longer.

“There’s a massive hole for someone like Maxi in a game like this when you need a little magic to unlock the door,” said Howe.

“With Allan, it’s slightly different (the injury). He has had a very minor setback with the physio.

“Whether or not he’ll be fit after the international is slightly unclear, but it’s certainly not long-term. It’s not clear if he’ll be fit for our next game yet.”

Without Saint-Maximin United have struggled to break down the door against two sides — Crystal Palace and Bournemouth — who are expected to occupy places in the bottom half of the Premier League. Both of those encounters have come on home turf and are very much being viewed by many as four points dropped.

Howe admits he is frustrated by what his side have dished up at St. James’ Park.

“Very disappointed,” he said. “I thought that was a performance below the levels that we’ve set ourselves. Probably for the first time this season, we dipped.”

He continued: “It’s difficult to know why at this moment. I felt we played in