Allan Saint-Maximin will not be risked for Newcastle United's home clash with Southampton on Sunday.
The Toon winger is still getting over a hamstring injury and has not featured since the 5-1 hammering against West Ham. Saint-Maximin is back in Newcastle treatment but Howe admits he does not have to rush anybody back with the team playing so well.
Following the 4-1 win over Everton, Howe said: "Maxi won’t be fit for Sunday. I’ll assess the squad and see how everyone is physically. "
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"The big thing for me, in this period of games we’ve had, is trying to pick players that I think are 100 per cent fit and not take chances with players.
"If I have a choice between two players in a position, then I’ll always pick the more fit player, or the player I consider to be fresher or fitter. So, it’s about trying to get those decisions right because, physically, we’re going to have to be good. This is going to be a tough game."
When asked when fans might see Saint-Maximin again, Howe said: "He won’t be available for Sunday. Maybe the game after that, but there’s no guarantee at this moment.
"I certainly hope he’ll be fit before the end of the season, but with hamstring injuries, there’s always that element of doubt. He’s not had a setback, he just needs to build his fitness levels up and make sure he’s fully fit before he comes back."
Saint-Maximin recently stepped up his injury recovery in France, with Howe admitting he was happy for the winger to rehab in his homeland rather than Tyneside. The former Nice star returned to Newcastle on Monday and will continue his work at Darsley Park.
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