Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin will be hopeful of returning to the Newcastle United starting XI after Eddie Howe admitted there is 'always temptation' to use players of their quality from the outset.
Both Isak and Saint-Maximin have returned from injury to find Newcastle on a fantastic run of form, with Howe subsequently reluctant to make too many changes to a winning side.
Speaking before Sunday's 1-0 win over Fulham, Howe admitted the consistency of his team means both attackers will have to settle for places on the bench at present. "There’s always temptation as they’re top quality players but we always wanted that consistency of selection that we feel has benefitted us this year," the Newcastle boss said.
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"We haven’t changed too much, and until I feel the need to do that and the players keep performing well then we will be consistent with what we do."
Isak responded in perfect fashion, coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game just hours after Howe's on air comments. The Swede was overjoyed after the netting the winner, celebrating the 89th minute header with strike partner Callum Wilson.
"I enjoyed getting some minutes and I think we have a wide and good squad," Isak said at full-time. "We can play in different ways. I feel fit, not perfect, but I am getting there and using every opportunity to get better."
Isak faces a battle to regain a starting role but is helped by the fact he can play either as a central striker or out wide. The former Real Sociedad was introduced as a No 10 on Sunday and linked up well with Wilson in and around the box.
As for Saint-Maximin, the Frenchman came off the bench at half-time after Bruno Guimaraes suffered a nasty looking ankle injury. The Brazilian was comforted by team-mates as tearfully made his way off the pitch at the interval.
Discussing Bruno's injury at full-time, Howe said: “He was in distress, and he was worried about his ankle after the game too. It was a twist. He felt he could carry on until right at the end of the first half when he signalled to come off.
"That’s never a good sign from our perspective, and we’ll have to get it scanned and checked out, and see what the damage is. We hope it’s not long term, but at this moment in time, we don’t know."
The severity of Guimaraes' injury is yet to be determined but the midfielder left St James' Park on crutches after the game. Any potential absence will likely see Saint-Maximin return to the starting line-up, with Joelinton dropping back into the midfield three.
The winger has been unable to reclaim his starting spot since returning from injury over the festive period but was one of Howe's standout performers at the beginning of the season. Saint-Maximin must now grasp the chance to impress as he tries to reclaim his spot out on the left.
Howe will be delighted to have two talented attackers ready and waiting to pounce from the bench - but both men in question will be seeing this as their opportunity to try and wrestle back a starting spot in the near future.
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