Saint-Maximin Offers Positive Fitness Update

Allan Saint-Maximin has reassured Newcastle supporters that he will be fit enough to feature after the international break. France under-21 international Saint-Maximin was one of the stars of the show for Newcastle on Sunday, as the Magpies claimed an impressive and much-needed 1-0 victory over Manchester United to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Saint-Maximin played a prominent role in Matty Longstaff’s winner and he has become a firm fans’ favourites since arriving a St James’ Park from Nice during the summer, despite the fact he has been plagued by fitness concerns during his time on Tyneside.

Indeed, the 22-year-old was making only his second league start for Newcastle on Sunday and he looked to be in some discomfort when he went down injured on the stroke of half-time.

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It was certainly a gruelling encounter for the winger, who lasted 83 minutes of the contest before being replaced by Christian Atsu and given his recent injury concerns, particularly surrounding his hamstring, supporters may have been concerned that he had picked up another problem.

However, Saint-Maximin has now offered a fitness update, admitting he is feeling a little sore, but he should be more than ready for Newcastle’s next match – an away clash with Chelsea after the international break. “I had a little bit of pain when I jumped, but after they did some massage and I was stronger,” Saint-Maximin told the Shields Gazette.

“I wanted to come back on the pitch. I have a little bit of pain, but I have two weeks to do a good recovery. I’m happy.”

Saint-Maximin is yet to break his Newcastle scoring duck and the Magpies won’t be expected to get anything against Chelsea, as they have lost on each of their last seven trips to Stamford Bridge – although they were also considered underdogs against both Man United and Tottenham, but ended up beating both.