We’re missing him to the Max but star is still ‘weeks away’, admits Bruce
VIRUS VICTIM STRUGGLING WITH RECOVERY
STEVE Bruce has revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin is still “weeks away” from a return after suffering from Covid-19.
The winger has been back in France to visit his family, and while he stated he felt good before Christmas, Bruce says he will not be available for the remainder of the festive fixtures against Liverpool and Leicester City, while Arsenal in the FA Cup on January 9 may also be a stretch.
However, Bruce may soon be able to rely on Jamaal Lascelles, with the United skipper advancing in training after sustaining a bout of coronavirus.
Bruce said: “There is slightly better news on the skipper. He is making inroads to join in with the team. He’s done a little bit of light stuff.
“Unfortunately, we’re still weeks away with Allan Saint-Maximin.
“They are the main two concerns.
“When I heard Man City had two players out I hoped for their sake that it stays there.
“If it gets a hold of you it is very worrying indeed.”
Bruce admits Newcastle United are “missing” the presence of their exciting winger.
Saint-Maximin picked up the Chronicle Player of the Year for 2020 award to go with his award for Player of the Season for 2019/20, making it a unique double.
The former Nice star last appeared for the Magpies in the 2-0 loss to Chelsea at St James’ Park on November 21.
Saint-Maximin then picked up a calf injury before being hit with the virus and has now gone five weeks without an appearance for Newcastle.
Bruce told The Chronicle: “We’ve said from day one that he would certainly be a crowd favourite because of the way he is. “We’re missing him at the moment.
“He’s had an up and down time, he needs to find that consistency like we all do, if he really wants to hit the heights.
“When he is on song there is no better sight is there?
“He gets you on the edge of your seat.
“I can understand why fans voted him for the Chronicle player of 2020.” Talk of a bust-up between Bruce and SaintMaximin was quashed by the player himself before Christmas when he said: “I feel great, I have no problem with Steve Bruce, the club or the fans.
“I am not injured.
“I love my life, that is all you need to know. “
With such a short turnaround
between the 2-0 loss at Man City and tonight’s tough home battle with champions Liverpool, Bruce will make a roll call on his players.
They were back in training after Man City but Bruce admitted that the hectic Christmas and New Year schedule was very much a moveable feast.
Bruce added: “All you can do is recover and hope that the lads who have been sick you see how they are in their recovery.
“You hope that they sleep well, and we have another game on Sunday.
“It’s a really hectic schedule, but hopefully we will have one or two back and see what Wednesday brings.”
Bruce does hope to be able to name Callum Wilson on his team sheet to face the Reds though.
Bruce said: “He’s had a knock on his ankle and I didn’t want to risk him and make him worse.
“He’s played four games in something like 12 days, so I had to protect him somehow.
“Hopefully he will be raring to go on Wednesday.”
Unfortunately, we’re still weeks away with Allan Saint-Maximin... we’re missing him at the moment Steve Bruce