Although Newcastle United has found luck and success over the course of their last five games, they’ve come back down to earth momentarily as the untouchable squad gets dealt a massive injury blow.
Recent star and offensive threat Allan Saint-Maximin has been ruled out for an extended period of time after suffering a hamstring injury.
According to recent reports, Saint-Maximin suffered the injury while competing against West Ham United, whom Newcastle defeated 5-1.
After receiving the injury, he was ruled out of the team’s most recent game against Brentford, with the hope that he would return for this week’s upcoming game against Aston Villa.
“I don’t think it’s serious with Allan,” said Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe. “He didn’t feel 100% in the West Ham game so we decided to scan him and it revealed a very minor problem with his hamstring.”
Aston Villa, who’s found just as much success recently as the Magpies, will be no easy task, and losing a speedy threat like Saint-Maximin is a crucial hit to the team.
Throughout the last five contests, the offense for the Magpies has found a new form that utilizes quick ball movement down the sidelines and relentless pressure on opposing defenses. Another important aspect of their game has been through balls and crosses inside of the box, that now are in potential danger to be absent without the 26-year-old winger.
With the loss of Saint-Maximin, the Magpies will be forced to utilize other role players to fill the void. Against Brentford, Howe had a handful of substitutions ready at all times and made substitutions to keep the attacking core effective. That same effort will have to be a focus this coming weekend.
Potential options to play on the wing will be Joelinton, whos been a goalkeeper slayer recently, Anthony Gordon or even Jacob Murphy. These three all show good ballwork and movement on the pitch that can complement the play of either forwards, Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak.
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