Newcastle United drop Allan Saint-Maximin fitness hint ahead of run of away games

That’s the view of Eddie Howe ahead of tomorrow night's game against Southampton. The first is the first of a run of four away games, three of which will be played in a hectic eight-day period.

Saint-Maximin came off the bench in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion after recovering from a calf problem, and is pushing for a start at the St Mary’s Stadium, where the club will look to extend its eight-game Premier League unbeaten run.

Asked about his fitness, head coach Howe said: “He’s not 100% fit. He did one day’s training before the previous game. So we’re very keen to obviously have him back, and back at his best. I think when he came on, he did well.

"At a key moment in the game, he gave us a bit of a lift. We’re trying to build up his fitness, so he’s nearly there.”

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 coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

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