---
title: "Eddie Howe provides Newcastle injury boost pre-Fulham"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2022/10/01/newcastle-howe-saint-maximin-could-feature-against-fulham/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Niall Keenan"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2022-10-01T06:00:00Z"
modified: "2022-10-01T06:00:00Z"
---

# Eddie Howe provides Newcastle injury boost pre-Fulham

**Eddie Howe has said that Allan Saint-Maximin is “very close” to a Newcastle return.**

The Magpies boss was speaking ahead of his side’s return to Premier League action this weekend.

Howe’s charges are currently [10th](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) in the standings after seven games but are without a win since the opening weekend.

In the absence of Saint-Maximin, they have tended to struggle, managing just [one goal](https://www.flashscore.co.uk/team/newcastle/p6ahwuwJ/results/) from open play in the [three games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/allan-saint-maximin/leistungsdaten/spieler/272642) the Frenchman has missed.

Medical expert Ben Dinnery claimed on his [Premier FPL Injuries](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBglKcp6iUQ) YouTube channel that the dazzling winger had suffered a ‘slight setback’ during his rehab.

However, the manager appears to have been handed a boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Fulham.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as relayed by the [Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/eddie-howe-delivers-isak-injury-25143868), the English coach did admit Alexander Isak has sustained a muscle injury, although it isn’t as bad as first feared.

Howe also revealed that Bruno Guimaraes would be with the squad and when discussing Saint-Maximin the 44-year-old tactician said: “He is doing well. He is very close.”

### Huge boost

Dubbed “[unplayable](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/unplayable-rob-lee-praises-allan-23032446)” by Rob Lee, the attacking ace was at his scintillating best prior to his injury.\
According to [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/23/Show/England-Newcastle), he has been the Tynesiders’ best performer with a team-high 7.67 average match rating.

He also ranks first for [goal involvements](https://fbref.com/en/squads/b2b47a98/Newcastle-United-Stats) per 90 minutes, having scored a late equaliser prior to [hobbling off](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11165613/Allan-Saint-Maximin-Newcastles-trip-Liverpool-miss-Crystal-Palace-clash.html) against Wolves.

Against Manchester City back in August, the 25-year-old stole the show with [two assists](https://www.sofascore.com/newcastle-united-manchester-city/rO), as well as winning the free-kick which Kieran Trippier successfully despatched.

Having him fit once again could provide that cutting edge that the side were lacking against Bournemouth last time out.

Despite controlling possession (72%) the north-east club were held to a draw, with Howe [admitting after the game](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11224499/Eddie-Howe-says-Nerwcastle-missed-magic-Allan-Saint-Maximin-Bournemouth-draw.html) that they missed the “magic” of Saint-Maximin and he could be thrust straight back into the starting line-up as the manager looks to end this winless run.