Eddie Howe and Newcastle United remain at near full strength as they prepare to take on Southampton at St. James' Park this weekend. The Magpies have won and impressive seven of their last eight Premier League fixtures and are closing in on a Champions League place with just six games remaining.
The Toon have an eight point cushion to Spurs in the Europa League places, but also boast a game in hand on the North London side having thrashed them at St. James' Park last week. The feel good factor on Tyneside is through the roof and a win over struggling Southampton would see Howe's men edge a step closer to a return to Europe's elite competition.
Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth remain the only absentees heading into this weekend. The latter of the two is not likely to return to action any time soon, while the quick turnaround from the win over Everton means Saint-Maximin is also set to miss the game against the Saints this weekend.
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Emil Krafth
The Sweden international remains Newcastle's only long-term absentee, having suffered an ACL injury in the Carabao Cup second-round win at Tranmere Rovers in August. Krafth has been included in the Magpies' 25-man Premier League squad, but the full-back recently stressed he is not putting himself under any pressure to return to action too soon.
Allan Saint-Maximin
Newcastle's number 10 has missed the last three matches due to a hamstring injury. Saint-Maximin initially returned to France to step up his recovery from his latest setback, and missed the clash with Everton, but Howe has now also ruled the forward out of contention for the clash with Southampton.
Howe said: "Yeah, he won’t be available for Sunday, maybe the game after. But no guarantees at this moment. I certainly hope he’ll be available before the end of the season, but with hamstring injuries, there’s always an element of doubt."
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