Eddie Howe says he will make a late assessment on Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of the home clash with Brighton & Hove Albion. Saint-Maximin is back from France after a fortnight of treatment following a calf injury sustained in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
In his absence Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy have stepped up and put in impressive performances against West Ham and Brentford. Saint-Maximin will face a fight to win his place back against the Seagulls.
Howe said: "Maxi still hasn't trained with the group yet and we will make a late assessment.
"We'll have to make a decision based on how he looks and how his injury status is after that training session. Aside from that, I think we're as we were with team fitness pre-Brentford."
And speaking about the competition for places at United, Howe admitted things have changed since the day he walked through the door back in November. The Toon boss also has players such as Sean Longstaff and Dwight Gayle who have barely had a kick.
Howe said: "When I first came into the job you wanted players fighting for positions. I wouldn't say we are absolutely there yet.
"But there is a healthy competition for places there now. From my side watching training and people are elevating their levels, there is a fight to get in.
"Then when you are in the team you have to fight to get back in it. Maxi coming back has given everybody a lift. Hopefully, he gets through today then we make a decision."
