Eddie Howe has confirmed Allan Saint-Maximin is in contention for Newcastle’s Premier League meeting with Brentford.
The Frenchman has been out of action since the draw away at Wolves in August but has trained all week in the build-up to Saturday’s game, offering a further boost to the Newcastle head coach after Callum Wilson’s return last weekend at Fulham.
While Alexander Isak and Jonjo Shelvey are still out, the squad appear to be coming through the injury problems that wrecked their start to the season. Wilson and Saint-Maximin are two of the team’s key attacking players and could lineup alongside Miguel Almiron, who is in fine fettle himself.
Joelinton is fit and available after remaining on the bench for the win at Craven Cottage and, given Howe talked up Joe Willock at his pre-match press conference, perhaps the Brazilian will lineup alongside him and Bruno Guimaraes in place of Sean Longstaff.
“He’s trained well this week and we’re pleased with him. He’s making good progress. There’s a chance he could be in the squad tomorrow,” said Howe of Saint-Maximin.
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Brentford (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Guimaraes, Willock, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Injured: Isak (thigh), Shelvey (hamstring)
Time and date: 3pm BST, Saturday October 8, 2022
Venue: St James’ Park
Referee: John Brooks, Scott Ledger (VAR)
