Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin is set for a further spell on the treatment table after yet another hamstring setback in recent days. The Frenchman just can't seem to shake the problem that has left him sidelined for six games this term, with Eddie Howe promising caution with the attacker going forward.
Saint-Maximin's absence is a huge blow for the Magpies but is even more devastating given both the 25-year-old's early season form and the extra work Howe put in with the attacker over the summer. Speaking during pre-season, the Newcastle boss admitted he had used the break to work closely with Saint-Maximin in the hope this would be the campaign the winger kicked on and found his groove in front of goal.
“We've worked really hard with Maxi during pre-season. He's trained well," Howe said back in August. "He's delivered everything that we've asked him to deliver. You know, we've pushed him physically. He's responded. So I'm hoping for a very, very good season."
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Finding the net in the draw with Wolves and helping himself to two assists against Manchester City, the mercurial wide man was enjoying a stellar start to the season before his injury woes.
A section of the Newcastle fanbase admittedly wanted Saint-Maximin to be sold over the summer, urging the north east outfit to cash in amid apparent interest from Chelsea and Tottenham. That feeling has dissipated, with the majority of supporters now counting down the days until his return to the first-team.
But three setbacks to the same hamstring problem mean Howe will certainly be cautious going forward. The Newcastle boss hinted there could be a first-team return before the World Cup break next month but equally will be in no rush to bring his fragile winger back into the fold too soon.
"Maxi has had a very minor irritation to his hamstring but it is the third time that's happened," Howe told reporters on Tuesday. "Although it is a minor injury, because of the recurrence we might have to be careful with him but we hope to see him before the World Cup break."
With just six games to play before the winter World Cup next month, Saint-Maximin's return date remains up in the air. Howe will be hoping his summer work with Newcastle's No 10 continues before too long.
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