Newcastle’s Saint-Maximin and Almirón out until April in double injury blow

Newcastle United’s Premier League survival hopes have been dealt a significant blow by the news that two key attacking players, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almirón, will be sidelined until April.

The pair will join leading scorer Callum Wilson on the sidelines after picking up knee and groin injuries respectively during Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw with Wolves. Defender Emil Krafth, who was also injured in the game at St James’ Park, is ready to resume training this week.

“Almiron sustained a knee injury and had to be replaced at half-time, while Saint-Maximin suffered a groin injury in the 63rd minute,” an official club statement said. “Both have undergone scans and will continue their rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.”

Immediately after Saturday’s match, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce had expressed concern over playmaker Almirón’s knee injury. “It’s too early to tell and he needs a scan but we fear the worst,” said Bruce. “He was distressed at half-time.”

Steve Bruce’s side travel to relegation rivals West Brom on Sunday and will also visit Brighton this month, following a home game against Aston Villa on 12 March. Wilson is expected to return in early April alongside Almirón and French winger Saint-Maximin.

Between them, the absent trio have scored 16 of Newcastle’s 27 league goals this season. Bruce must now rely on Joelinton, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll, with each forward having scored a single Premier League goal so far this term.

Newcastle are currently 17th in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Fulham, and will visit Craven Cottage on the final day of the season.