Early team news from Eddie Howe – Trio passed fit but NUFC star ruled out of Spurs clash
Eddie Howe has revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin will miss Sunday’s crucial clash with Spurs – but insists he’ll be back on Tyneside next week.
The winger has missed our last two league games with a hamstring problem and has been receiving treatment in France, however, it seems he is still in his homeland after his recovery took “a little bit longer” than first expected.
Howe insists there’s been no setback, it’s just a shame he will play no part this weekend; not even as an impact sub.
In better news, Sean Longstaff is back from tonsilitis and has “trained well”, while Miguel Almiron has also been passed fit after stepping up his recovery from a thigh injury.
The boss also played down any concerns over Bruno Guimaraes’ availability following ongoing issues with his ankle, insisting the Brazilian hasn’t missed any training.
Howe when asked if Saint-Maximin is back and fit for Sunday:
“No, he’s not back in the country yet. We’ll see him early next week. But Maxi’s fine.
“There hasn’t been a setback. It’s just taken maybe a little bit longer than initially thought, but no major setback. With hamstring injuries, we have to be careful.”
Howe on Miguel Almiron:
He’s an option. He’s had minimal training and trained well as he does. But he had quite a long absence so we’ll wait and see.
Howe on Sean Longstaff:
“He’s over his illness and he’s trained well this week. I’ve always maintained he’s a hugely important part of our midfield. Both in and out of possession he’s a very intelligent footballer so I think a lot of his off-the-ball work goes unnoticed.
“On the ball, he’s got a really good way of keeping the ball for the team which is an invaluable quality. He’s got an eye for a really progressive pass as well so he helps us go through teams’ structures.”
Howe Sunday’s “huge” clash with Spurs:
“It’s a huge game for us. There’s no denying that. At this stage of the season, the games are running out and we’re playing one of our competitors in the league.
“We’re pleased to be at home and hope we can feel the force of the crowd.”
