Steve Bruce has suggested to the club’s official website that Allan Saint Maximin won’t be starting for Newcastle United against Leeds United tomorrow.
Saint Maximin came off the bench for Newcastle in their last match against Aston Villa, after recovering from the effects of covid.
There was hope that the winger could return to Newcastle’s line-up, in what would have been a major boost ahead of their game against Leeds.
But Bruce has suggested that his side’s most potent attacking threat looks likely to be kept in reserve again.
“I would think it’s too soon for him, but we’ll see how he is today,” Bruce said.
“He’s played 25 minutes, had a week’s training under his belt and been out for eight weeks so we’ve got to box a little bit clever.”
Saint Maximin’s return would have been a huge positive for Newcastle, who have desperately lacked any sort of attacking invention in their last few games.
The Magpies have failed to score in seven of their last eight outings across all competitions.
Saint Maximin’s individualism and dribbling skill would surely have aided Bruce’s side, especially against a Leeds side who can leave spaces to attack on the counter.
But it seems that the Frenchman will only be fit to play a role as an impact substitute again.
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