Allan Saint-Maximin responds to Newcastle United social media frenzy with 10-word message

Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin has taken to Instagram to silence internet rumours about his FA Cup absence.

The Frenchman had widely been expected to start the Magpies’ third round match at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday. However, he was absent from not only the starting XI but also the bench down in South Yorkshire.

And as is so often his way, Saint-Maximin posted on social media just minutes into the FA Cup tie.

Adding a video of him watching the match on a device to his Instagram story, Saint-Maximin added the words: “Always behind you guys, I will be back very soon”, with the mask and strong arm emojis following it.

The post clearly backs up what head coach Eddie Howe said before the game, where he said the player missed out due to illness.

Speaking to the BBC, Howe said: ““Maxi felt under the weather after training yesterday, so he’s missing.”

While Saint-Maximin is not in the squad, the match does see the return of Sweden international Alexander Isak, who starts for United in South Yorkshire, having not played in almost four months.

Martin Dubravka, fresh from his loan recall from Manchester United, also finds himself back between the sticks. That call by Howe means the Slovak will remain at Newcastle for the rest of the season, as he cannot play for more than two clubs in one campaign.