Allan Saint-Maximin is a minor injury doubt for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie with Bournemouth at St James’ Park tomorrow night.
The 25-year-old limped off the pitch at the end of Newcastle’s 2-1 friendly victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and will be assessed during training today.
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Eddie Howe was, for the second press conference in a row, coy about the fitness of several members of his squad, but did confirm that Saint-Maximin had a niggle. He said to “wait and see when we announce the team” when pushed as to whether Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Dan Burn are available, having sat out Saturday’s practice match.
“No, we don’t have a fully fit squad,” Howe said. “Naturally I think there are always a couple of injuries so we don’t have a fully fit squad.”
Asked about Saint-Maximin, he said: “I think there is a slight injury. We’ll see today how he comes in. Obviously after a game things can be sore, but they can settle quickly so hopefully that’s the case.”
Howe admitted at the weekend that Alexander Isak, the club’s record signing, may not feature at all over the festive period and insists Newcastle are taking his rehabilitation “day by day”.
Callum Wilson, however, is physically fit and available to play against his former club, though Howe will speak to each of Newcastle’s five World Cup representatives to check they are mentally ready to feature.
“With Callum, I’ve never said there’s an issue,” Howe said. “So, yeah, he’s fine.”
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Wood showing why he's still 'hugely important' for Howe and Newcastle
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