Steve Bruce reveals Allan Saint-Maximin concern at Newcastle United

Saint-Maximin has started all three games since the Premier League restarted, and he was fatigued after Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at St James’s Park.

The winger, troubled by hamstring injuries this season, was “extremely tired” yesterday, according to head coach Steve Bruce

“He's coming to terms with what it's like to play in the Premier League,” said Bruce. “Certainly, the lockdown has done him a bit of good with those niggling hamstrings that he had, which is always a concern when you rely on your pace the way he does and the power that he's got.

“We said when we walked through the door that he’s going to get people off their seats. At the moment, he's only got you guys who can watch him and he's been excellent.

“Let's see how he is today – he was extremely tired yesterday – let's see how he is today in recovery because he has played the three games.

“Four games in 11 days, I’m going to use part of the squad, so let's see how he is and how he trains this afternoon.”

Winger Matt Ritchie could miss out against his former club. Asked about injuries, Bruce said: “I think we’ve got a clean bill of health. (Nabil) Bentaleb was suspended. I’ll be making some changes. Hopefully that pays off. He (Matt Ritchie) is desperate to play, but he was nowhere near it on Friday.”

Newcastle are 14th in the table on 39 points.