Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has almost promised Allan Saint-Maximin a run in the side amid the recent suspension of Bruno Guimaraes.
What’s the latest?
Howe’s options have been stretched somewhat over the last week following the red card picked up by the Brazilian in their Carabao Cup game against Southampton.
Although Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin do not play in the same position, this has seen Joelinton return to the midfield from his position at left wing.
And after a run out of the team, Saint-Maximin returned to the fold on the weekend against West Ham United after being selected by Howe to start.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Lee Ryder has claimed this is a dilemma to watch ahead of their game on the weekend with Howe almost promising the Frenchman that spot on the left:
(1:30) “But then you’ve got people like Allan Saint-Maximin still coming back to fitness. He has been almost promised a run in the team by Eddie Howe. So that’s certainly one to watch.”
Dilemma for Howe
The 25-year-old has certainly endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign to date with just five starts to his name in the Premier League.
Although he did start in the game against the Hammers on the weekend, he was dragged off after 69 minutes for the new signing Anthony Gordon.
It was apparent the Frenchman was not quite having the impact many would have wished for with only one successful dribble, no successful crosses and no shots to his name (via SofaScore).
And there lies the dilemma for Howe ahead of the trip to Bournemouth on the weekend. Does he stick with Saint-Maximin or does he start Gordon?
The new signing came on with just over 20 minutes to play and made an almost instant impact after providing Callum Wilson with a golden opportunity to retake the lead.
And given he was such a big-money signing who is already adapted to the league, there will likely be a clamour from the fans to see Gordon start.
If this is the decision Howe makes, it will likely be a damning indication of where Saint-Maximin’s future lies at St. James’ Park ahead of the summer.
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