Newcastle United issue Allan Saint-Maximin illness update plus Alexander Isak comeback latest

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe was pleased both Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak took to the St James’ Park field against Leicester City.

The £76million duo were introduced as second-half substitutes as the Magpies advanced into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 1976.

Saint-Maximin returned from the illness that ruled him out of Saturday’s FA Cup exit at Sheffield Wednesday, while Isak got further minutes in the tank following his recovery from a thigh injury.

“Maxi is obviously still feeling the effects of his illness but was well enough to take the field tonight, and I thought he did well when he came on,” Howe said.

“Alex, we are going to have to build up slowly. The 45 minutes was great against Sheffield Wednesday, today he’s got a little taste again in front of the supporters. I thought he looked really sharp.”

United turn their focus back to Premier League action with Fulham the visitors to Tyneside on Sunday. And Howe is hopeful his side came through unscathed against the Foxes.

Howe said: “I don’t know at this moment in time, I’m hoping everyone is OK but until the dust settles and you see how they are tomorrow, it’s difficult to tell.

“I thought it was going to be difficult for us to play the same team in every game and that’s obviously why I made changes against Sheffield Wednesday.

“I felt that team was strong enough to win, of course we didn’t but it was great to get the group together today, and I include Alex and Maxi - the look of our bench looked very strong tonight, so there was a good look about the group.”