Eddie Howe explains Allan Saint-Maximin’s unexpected Newcastle United absence after fall out rumours

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has offered the explanation as to why forward Allan Saint-Maximin is not in the Magpies’ FA Cup squad.

Eyes were raised when the Frenchman’s name was not in the starting XI or on the bench at Hillsborough as Newcastle take on Sheffield Wednesday in round three of the competition.

Rumours have been rife online that a fall out would see the player dropped.

And Howe, speaking to the BBC, has made it clear, the real reason why he is not in the side.

He 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.