Can Newcastle manage without Saint-Maximin for a month?

Newcastle United will be without Allan Saint-Maximin until mid-January. Can the team manage without their star winger for at least seven games?

Allan Saint-Maximin lasted 95 minutes against Southampton last weekend, but the French winger left the pitch on crutches due to a hamstring injury. Well, a new report from Tyneside claims that the dynamic winger will be sidelined until the middle of January. As a result, the Magpies will be without their most exciting player for seven games, which includes the team’s third round fixture in the FA Cup on January 4th.

Saint-Maximin has been a standout player for Newcastle United since solidifying his place in the starting lineup a few months ago, but can the Magpies earn some positive results without him over the next month?

Major Injury Blow

Newcastle United lack creativity without Saint-Maximin in the lineup. The 22-year-old has created big plays for himself and others out of thin air as a result of his technical skills and blistering pace. With Saint-Maximin in the lineup, not counting his 14-minute start against Tottenham in week three, Newcastle United have won five matches this season.

Collective effort was the primary factor in those victories, however, Saint-Maximin was instrumental in each of those victories. To this date, no back-line has been able to slow him down. With the fan favorite on the sidelines, the Magpies will not be as dangerous offensively. Steve Bruce’s side has only created 162 chances this season, which is the second-lowest tally in the Premier League.

So, losing your most dynamic player in midfield places a world of pressure on his replacement to effectively fill his void in the lineup. With Matt Ritchie still recovering from his ankle surgery, Christian Atsu is the only logical option for Bruce to select as Saint-Maximin’s replacement.

Atsu is a talented player and he is capable of having a meaningful impact when his number has been called. This season, Atsu has already bagged three assists and boasts an impressive accuracy rating of 50% with his crosses. As mentioned earlier, Atsu is a different type of player who is not as technically gifted as Saint-Maximin, but he is reliable. Joelinton and Andy Carroll might actually benefit from Atsu’s pass-first mentality out wide.

The Ghanaian international will be expected to perform every weekend in order for the Toon to stand a chance against their upcoming opponents. Looking at the schedule, the Magpies’ best opportunities to get points during Saint-Maximin’s absence will be against Burnley, Crystal Palace, Everton and Wolverhampton.

Newcastle United are not doomed without Saint-Maximin, especially against the four aforementioned teams, but they will lose their offensive flare when they break free on the counter-attack. In other words, fans should expect some ugly victories and overall performances over the next month.