Steve Bruce issues Allan Saint-Maximin comeback update at Newcastle United

Saint-Maximin, sidelined since November, resumed light training last week after recovering from Covid-19.

However, it could still be some time before the winger – who last week tweeted “I’m back, baby” – is considered fit enough to make his Premier League comeback for the relegation-threatened club.

Saint-Maximin, among those hit hardest by Covid-19 during the outbreak at the club, was allowed to return home to France to recuperate late last year.

Bruce, under intense pressure following a run of nine games without a win, was asked about the 23-year-old’s return after last night’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

“We’re in this run and the one person who gave us a little creativity, that spark in your team, is Allan, of course, and how crucial he has been to us," said United's head coach.

“Then again, if I you take out the best players from, if you take a (Wilfried) Zaha out of Crystal Palace … he’s huge to us. He’s back in light training. We hope that he can get himself (fit), but it’s been two months now. We’ve still got to box a bit careful with him.”

Newcastle take on Aston Villa on Saturday, and Ryan Fraser, suspended against Arsenal following his dismissal against Sheffield United, will be available.

United are 15th in the table, and seven points above third-bottom Fulham, who have a game in hand.

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