Newcastle United duo ‘touch & go’ v Arsenal as trio set to miss rest of the season

Eddie Howe will make a late decision on Allan Saint-Maximin and Sean Longstaff’s availability against Arsenal.

Saint-Maximin hasn’t featured since the 5-1 win at West Ham United on April 5 after picking up a hamstring injury. Longstaff, meanwhile, was forced to miss Sunday’s victory over Southampton due to a foot injury.

The Frenchman has trained ahead of the game. Longstaff hasn’t yet, but Howe hopes the Geordie midfielder will on Friday or Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side visit St James’ Park in a 4:30pm kick-off on Sunday.

“Sean is OK, he’s improved,” said Howe. “He hasn’t trained yet. We’re hoping today or tomorrow he will so we’ll wait and see.”

He added: “Allan trained yesterday [Thursday]. It was great to see him back on the grass, he trained very well too. Really pleased with that.

“It’s such a shame that the two moments when you thought Maxi was entering his best form, he picked up an injury. Against Wolves away when he scored a spectacular goal and we lost him for a period of time.

“And then the West Ham game, he was really contributing assists and affecting games, and we lose him again. It’s been disruptive but he has trained really well, he looks in good physical condition and has a huge part to play.”

As well Saint-Maximin and Longstaff, Howe hopes his players will benefit from a week’s training having previously played three games in seven days.

“I hope it benefits us,” said Howe. “It’s been good to train again and get back on the grass with the players. The mood has been good, the training quality has been very high. I’ve been pleased with what the players have delivered this week,

Newcastle are without Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles for the rest of the season, while Ryan Fraser continues to train with the under-21s after falling out with Howe.

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