Allan Saint-Maximin jets back into UK after Newcastle United star makes lockdown France trip

The Gazette understands the Frenchman flew to Nice last weekend, spending seven days on the continent, before returning to Newcastle this afternoon.

The reason for the journey is not known. It is also not known if Saint-Maximin must now quarantine as a result of the journey.

Saint-Maximin, sidelined with a groin injury suffered in the recent 1-1 draw with Wolves, celebrated his 24th birthday while out of the country.

Newcastle United have been contacted for comment.

UK guidelines state anyone returning from France must quarantine for up to 10 days on arrival back in the UK. That time can be cut short if paperwork is provided to prove ASM was an ‘international elite sportsperson’.

While Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson have posted injury recovery progress on social media during their time out the team, Saint-Maximin has not.

And this latest trip outside of the country during lockdown points towards Saint-Maximin being further away from Newcastle availability than his two frontline teammates. Paraguayan Almiron has been pencilled in for a possible return to action against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, while England international Wilson could be back for United’s home game with Tottenham Hotspur on April 3.

Any length of time in quarantine would severely limit the recovery work Saint-Maximin could do in his bid to get back in action, with the club’s Benton training base being ‘off limits’ should he be made to self isolate by authorities.

In January, Newcastle United issued a statement saying Saint-Maximin did not break COVID rules after being snapped by a fan doing his shopping in Sainsbury’s, following another trip to his homeland over the festive period.

The statement read: "Following a request from the media, Newcastle United can confirm that Allan Saint-Maximin did not contravene any UK quarantine rules during a visit to a supermarket in Newcastle on Thursday evening.

"Allan will continue to adhere to all quarantine rules and Covid-19 guidelines and will follow return to training protocols.

"The club considers this matter closed and will not be issuing further comment."

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