Steve Bruce gives Allan Saint-Maximin update at Newcastle United

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

Newcastle were subsequently forced to close the training ground – and request the postponement of a fixture against Aston Villa – due to a Covid-19 outbreak. The club has not named those who tested positive, though Isaac Hayden, Federico Fernandez and Emil Krafth have revealed that they had Covid-19.

Asked if Saint-Maximin would be back for tomorrow’s cup tie at the Brentford Community Stadium, Bruce said: “No.”

Bruce revealed before the weekend’s 1-1 home draw against Fulham that up to five players were still suffering from after-effects of Covid-19.

Speaking after the game, United’s head coach said: “I think the big problem we've got has been well documented with the illness, unfortunately.

"As we speak, numbers are still far too high – and they're big players for us. It's difficult, of course, but we've just got to try and manage it as best we can, and be sensible and take the advice, which the medical people can tell us and see where we can get to.”

Bruce was forced to take Federico Fernandez off at the break against Fulham due to “fatigue” related to his time out with Covid-19.

"He was just struggling with fatigue,” said Bruce. “It’s caused through illness, we think. As I’ve said many times, that’s the problem.

"The virus can prove negative, but it’s the after-effects and the fatigue side of it.”

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