Steve Bruce had more bad news for Newcastle United fans last night, as he confirmed to the club’s official website that Allan Saint-Maximin could be out for a ‘while’ yet.
Saint-Maximin is back in Newcastle after recovering from coronavirus.
But the £16 million Frenchman (BBC Sport) is still not up to full fitness, and Bruce doesn’t think that Saint-Maximin will be back in his squad any time soon.
“Well he’s been out nearly seven weeks now so we have to see how he is physically,” Bruce said.
“He has one or two tests to be done over the next 48 hours, so that’s critical for him.
“We hope he can get back up and started, but I would think it’s a while there yet.”
That news comes as a blow to Newcastle, as they desperately need Saint-Maximin’s attacking quality.
The Magpies badly disappointed last night, as they were beaten 1-0 by Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder’s men had not won a game all season, but they punished Newcastle, who were off colour right from the start.
Saint-Maximin, if he had been available, could have provided Newcastle with the spark they needed to pose more of a threat going forward.
However, it seems that Bruce will have to continue to find a way to play without his most dangerous attacking player in the coming weeks.
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