Steve Bruce has big news on Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United

Saint-Maximin has been sidelined for almost a month with another hamstring injury, but Steve Bruce hopes to have him – and up to four more players – back for Saturday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle have won just one of the six league and cup games the winger has missed, and the club is just five points above the relegation zone.

Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett are also close to comebacks, while Matt Ritchie, sidelined since August with an ankle injury, returned in Saturday’s FA Cup tie away to Rochdale, which ended 1-1.

“I’m hoping four or five are back,” said head coach Bruce, who lost Miguel Almiron and Yoshinori Muto to injury at Spotland.

“I cant see any of the centre-backs, or those who got injured the other day, being fit.

“Saint-Maximim, hopefully. The real quality we have at the top end of the pitch with him and Almiron is there for us to see, that quality we see that you buy. We’ve missed him. He’s a threat, so lets hope he come back this weekend.”

Meanwhile, striker Dwight Gayle was not involved against Rochdale along with Andy Carroll (hip). Bruce had considered starting Gayle up front alongside Joelinton at Spotland, where Almiron was on target.

“He was injured, stiff and sore with the glute,” said Bruce. “Limped off in training two days ago. Him and Andy weren’t available.”