Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has issued an encouraging fitness update on Allan Saint-Maximin, who was substituted in today’s 2-1 win at home to Everton.
The French winger was replaced by Ryan Fraser in the 74th minute, having suffered a dead leg during the Magpies’ victory at St James’ Park.
Any serious injury to the 23-year-old may have been a real blight on a positive result for the Tynesiders, but Bruce’s post-match update on the player was reassuring.
As per Miles Starforth on Twitter, the Newcastle manager informed reporters in the post-match press conference: “He’s took a knock, but we expect him to be OK.”
Twitter: Steve Bruce on Allan Saint-Maximin’s dead leg: ‘He’s took a knock, but we expect him to be OK.’ #nufc (@milesstarforth)
Saint-Maximin enjoyed another strong performance for the Magpies this afternoon, posting the highest passing completion rate (91.3%) of any player for the home side along with completing three successful dribbles and recording one shot on target (WhoScored).
The Frenchman came as close as anyone to scoring in the first half when he latched onto a through ball from Callum Wilson, only for his effort to be repelled by Robin Olsen.
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Having started all but one of Newcastle’s Premier League games this term and recorded more successful dribbles than any of his team-mates, it will no doubt come as a relief to Bruce that Saint-Maximin is unlikely to have any lasting effects from today’s clash.
However, even if he had to miss a game or two, his replacement Fraser showed that he could offer a genuine threat, having exploited the space behind Everton’s defence in the build-up to what ultimately proved to be Wilson’s winning goal.
