Allan Saint-Maximin has confirmed that he is 'back' after the Newcastle United star received treatment in Monaco for a calf injury.
The Frenchman picked up the injury in the win against Aston Villa last month and ultimately missed the games at West Ham and Brentford as a result. The club gave Saint-Maximin permission to travel to the Principality for intensive treatment because the forward already has an outstanding relationship with physio Alexandre Baccili.
Newcastle have been keen to give players the opportunity to go abroad to receive specialised treatment - Callum Wilson and Isaac Hayden have also done so of late - that just would not be possible at the club so that they can get back playing as soon as possible. Saint-Maximin has certainly benefited and Howe revealed his talisman was in a 'very good place mentally' and 'very eager to return' last week.
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Saint-Maximin has since taken to Instagram to confirm 'I'm back' ahead of another huge game for Newcastle against Brighton on Saturday. However, it remains to be seen if the 24-year-old will be fit enough to start.
“We hoped Allan would make it, but he was some way short in the end," Howe told reporters after the 2-0 win against Brentford last week. "We’re now keeping our fingers crossed and hoping we can get him ready for next week. I think he’ll be a lot closer for that game.
“He’s a massive player for us and we’re very aware that we need him back, but it’s very good to see the team able to cope. If you see the players that are missing, there are some really outstanding individuals, but the team's being strong enough at the moment.”
Ryan Fraser got a rare opportunity to start in his preferred position on the left in Saint-Maximin's absence against Brentford and the winger played a part in both of Joelinton and Joe Willock's goals in the 2-0 victory.
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