Former Sunderland striker assesses Newcastle United injury 'concern'

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United goes off injured during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Speaking to Football Insider, Bent says the Frenchman is an integral part of Steve Bruce’s team at United and any long-term absence would prove a ‘humongous blow’ for the Magpies, who occupy 11th in the Premier League table after 16 games.

He said: “A humongous blow – he is key to what they do.

“Him and (Miguel) Almiron, more so him, the way Newcastle play allows him to do what he does which is get up the pitch in a hurry.

“He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s unpredictable so for me, it’s a big blow and Newcastle are going to struggle without him.

“But hopefully he can come back sooner rather than later.”

Saint-Maximin limped off in the closing stages of Newcastle's 2-1 home win over Southampton at the weekend. Bruce confirmed the £16million winger suffered a hamstring injury.