Journalist Dean Jones feels not having Allan Saint-Maximin available is ‘actually a bit of problem’ for Eddie Howe having been prepared to let the winger leave Newcastle this summer.
Saint-Maximin has been unavailable for each of the Magpies’ last two Premier League games with a hamstring injury and it seems as if that spell on the sidelines is set to continue.
Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope took to Twitter to state that he ‘doesn’t expect’ to see Saint-Maximin again this weekend for the visit of Bournemouth.
The Frenchman has been involved in more goals (3) than any of his teammates having grabbed a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Wolves, a week removed from a starring role against Manchester City, in which he grabbed two assists and won a free-kick that was converted by Kieran Trippier.
It was reported during the summer (talkSPORT via This is Futbol) that the Toon were willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old, but Jones has now suggested that his absence could be felt.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT he said: “To not have him available is actually a bit of a problem. I mean, this is a guy that they were willing to lose at one point.
“They would’ve sold Saint-Maximin at the right price, but now because of the way he’s started the season, he actually does seem like a bit of a loss.”
While Hope did seem to confirm Saint-Maximin’s unavailability he did clarify that talk surrounding Bruno Guimaraes’ fitness ‘sound more positive’.
Injury expert Ben Dinnery has also stated on his Premier FPL Injuries channel (4:14) that the former Nice winger is back on Tyneside having carried out his rehabilitation programme in Monaco but for now, Newcastle fans will place their trust in Alexander Isak.
The £63m record summer signing scored on his debut at Anfield but is still waiting for his first goal at St. James’ Park having spurned a chance against Crystal Palace last time out.
Nonetheless, considering Bournemouth have already shipped 18 goals this term, you would expect Isak is the man to help fire Howe’s men to their first win since the opening weekend of the campaign.
