Report: Saivet in contention for Newcastle clash against Bournemouth

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Henri Saivet has endured a difficult spell with Newcastle since joining in 2016.

Henri Saivet is in contention to feature in Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday at St. James’ Park, according to the Evening Chronicle.

The 27-year-old has re-emerged into the fold after being frozen out since his move to Tyneside in January 2016 from Bordeaux, failing to make any kind of impact under Steve McClaren and then Rafa Benitez.

However, Saivet could now be in line for just his sixth Newcastle appearance after the impressive Mikel Merino is still suffering with a back injury, with it yet to be made clear how long he will be sidelined.

Former Arsenal midfielder Isaac Hayden is also struggling for fitness and he is a doubt for Saturday’s clash in the north east, which saw him drop to the substitutes’ bench for Monday’s loss to Burnley.

If Hayden is not deemed 100 per cent fit, then Benitez will have to choose between either Mo Diame or Saivet to start alongside Jonjo Shelvey against Eddie Howe’s Cherries.

Saivet has appeared as an unused substitute three times in the Premier League this season, but has made just one appearance for the Toon during the 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.

He spent the entire 2016-17 season on loan with Ligue 1 side St. Etienne, where he impressed during his 35 league and cup appearances for Les Verts.

Now, he could finally be given a second chance at Newcastle if Benitez decides to throw him in at the deep end against Bournemouth in what is likely to be viewed as a winnable fixture by the Spanish boss.