Paul Merson thinks Newcastle United will struggle to make the top 10 as long as Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson remain injured. Neither player has featured since the former scored a screamer to equalise in the dying embers against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 28.
Wilson has been plagued with injury woes since arriving on Tyneside two years ago. The number nine limped off against Manchester City almost a month ago but is nearing a return.
Astonishingly, the 30-year-old has only played 47 Premier League games (57%) out of a possible 83 following his £20million move in 2020. Having two star forwards missing has caused the Magpies to look toothless going forward in recent weeks.
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While defensively sound, Newcastle yet again missed a hatful of chances to brush Bournemouth aside on Saturday. Former Arsenal star Merson fired an ominous warning to Toon supporters should the duo stay on the treatment table.
“They won a lot of headers, Newcastle, and no one was there for the second ball,” he told Sky Sports post-match. “Callum Wilson would have been there but I still feel like they miss Saint-Maximin because he breaks with pace.
“When they did break, it was slow and lackadaisical. For me, when those two are back, they’re a completely different team. Without them, I don't see them being a top-half side. I just don't.”
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