Newcastle United reveal Allan Saint-Maximin ‘plan’ during World Cup break

Newcastle United were without Allan Saint-Maximin for eight of their opening 15 Premier League matches.
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Newcastle United hope to get Allan Saint-Maximin back to full fitness during their “mini pre-season”. The Magpies squad, excluding those involved in the Qatar World Cup, are enjoying some time off before stepping up their preparations for the second half of the campaign in a couple of weeks’ time.

Eddie Howe’s side fly to Saudi Arabia on December 4 for a week-long training camp, which includes a friendly against Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. United then host La Liga side Rayo Vallecano at St James’ Park before resuming the competitive season against Bournemouth in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

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The period before the 2022-23 campaign resumes will be particularly important for Saint-Maximin because of his recent hamstring problem. The Frenchman has started just once since August - that against Crystal Palace last week - while his other three appearances have come as a substitute.

Saint-Maximin began the season in fine form, starring in the 3-3 draw with Premier League champions Manchester City and scoring a stunning late equaliser at Wolverhampton Wanderers, which won the goal of the month award.

Man of the Match Allan Saint-Maximin celebrates his last minute goal against WolverhamptonMan of the Match Allan Saint-Maximin celebrates his last minute goal against Wolverhampton
Man of the Match Allan Saint-Maximin celebrates his last minute goal against Wolverhampton

Howe hopes the 25-year-old can regain his match sharpness in time before the restart and have a big say in the remaining 23 games. Newcastle’s 30 points from their 15 matches so far has led them to third in the table, increasing hopes of European qualification.

"Well, I think every player has an individual plan, based around the group work that we do because they’re all so different in terms of their physiology,” Howe said recently. “I think Maxi will really benefit from the time to train because he hasn’t had a lot of training time.

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“It’s been difficult for him because, of course, the closer you get to games, the more you have to rest their load or lighten their load, which means you can’t really get the fitness work into them they need to. I’m delighted to see him come through 90 minutes the other night, that’ll do him the world of good."

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