Eddie Howe has confirmed Allan Saint-Maximin is not yet 100% fit following his return from injury.
The Newcastle United winger made a late 26-minute cameo against Brighton on Saturday after missing the previous two games with a slight knock and, given Howe’s comments, may not to be fit to start on the south coast.
Elsewhere, the head coach revealed that his side have no new fresh injury concerns and that Matt Ritchie has returned to the squad.
Clearly, it’s hard to see him replacing Matt Targett after his impressive first few games on Tyneside, though having extra bodies is undoubtedly a boost.
Bruno Guimaraes has been tipped to start and Jonjo Shelvey himself admitted his performance against Brighton wasn’t brilliant, though Howe had been quick to stress that he’s not keen on tinkering with a winning team.
Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Isaac Hayden remain the only long-term injury absences, although Federico Fernandez is a doubt with a strain.
Newcastle United predicted XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett, Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton, Murphy, Wood, Fraser
Injured: Callum Wilson (calf), Kieran Trippier (foot)
Doubts: Federico Fernandez (strain)
Venue: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Time and date: 7.30pm GMT, Thursday March 10
Referee: Kevin Friend
