Eddie Howe makes Allan Saint-Maximin decision as Newcastle United’s starting XI versus Brighton is revealed

Allan Saint-Maximin is back in Newcastle United’s matchday squad for their Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon.

The Frenchman has missed the last two games at West Ham United and Brentford after undergoing treatment on a calf injury in Monaco.

Saint-Maximin returned from France on Tuesday but didn’t train until Friday morning, as revealed by Eddie Howe in his pre-match press conference.

The 24-year-old came through the session unscathed but Howe has opted to name the winger on the bench by naming an unchanged starting XI for the third game in a row.

Fabian Schar and Dan Burn - facing his former club - continue their partnership in central defence after conceding just one goal in three games.

The form of midfield three Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock and Joelinton continues to keep £40million January signing Bruno Guimaraes on the bench.

Ryan Fraser is set to start on the left-wing following his man of the match display at Brentford with Chris Wood leading the attack.

Howe’s side will make it eight Premier League games unbeaten if they avoid defeat against Graham Potter’s Albion.

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett, Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton, Fraser, Murphy, Wood.

Subs: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Saint-Maximin, Manquillo, Almiron, Gayle, Longstaff, Bruno.