Allan Saint-Maximin Covid-19 update at Newcastle United as Jamaal Lascelles returns to training

Saint-Maximin has been out since late last month, when he missed the club’s win over Crystal Palace with a calf injury.

The winger went on to be laid low with Covid-19 along with Lascelles and a number of his team-mates following a coronavirus outbreak at the club’s training ground.

Saint-Maximin was allowed to return to France to recover with his family, and the 23-year-old isn’t expected to be ready to return for a number of weeks, while Lascelles is back in light training.

“Jamaal may be in front of Saint-Maximin,” said head coach Bruce, speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League home game against Leicester City. “But I can’t see Jamaal for the weekend. Certainly, Saint-Maximin’s still going to be a few weeks away.”

Maximin has not spoken about his recovering from Covid-19, though he did deny rumours of a rift with Bruce on Instagram earlier this month.

“I have no problem with Steve Bruce,” said Saint-Maximin, who struggled for form after signing a new deal at the club earlier this season.

“I am fine. I am with my family, as you can see. I have no problem. You can see I feel really good. I love the club. I love the fans. I love everything. I feel great.”

Meanwhile, Lascelles, United’s captain, spoke about his experience with Covid-19 in the programme for last night’s goalless draw against Liverpool.

"I'm feeling fine now,” said the defender. “I had flu-like symptoms for two days – a high temperature, going hot and cold and fatigue. After that, I did have a little bit of shortness of breath for a few days, but I've been fine since then.”

Lascelles, 27, is now back jogging after being cleared to resume training following a round of tests.

"I haven’t really been allowed to do any exercise at all – not until all of the tests came back fine,” said Lascelles. “All I’ve been able to do is take the dog and kids out for walks. That’s been the case for a lot of weeks.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of NUFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor