Allan Saint-Maximin a doubt for Newcastle vs Bournemouth after limping off pitch injured in friendly vs Rayo Vallecano

NEWCASTLE have suffered a blow after Allan Saint-Maximin limped off the pitch during a friendly match.

The Magpies were playing Rayo Vallecano in their final warm-up game ahead of the return of the Premier League.

ReutersAllan Saint-Maximin picked up an injury against Rayo Vallecano[/caption]

The season had been on hold during the World Cup in Qatar, and Newcastle were trying to keep players match-fit ahead of their EFL Cup tie against Bournemouth.

However, Saint-Maximin is now a minor doubt for the Magpies ahead of their match with the Cherries.

The winger had to limp off the pitch during the team’s 2-1 friendly win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Manager Eddie Howe confirmed that the attacker picked up a “slight injury” and that he will be assessed today.

He said: “I think there’s a slight injury. We’ll see today how he comes in.

“After a game, things can be sore so hopefully, that’s just the case.”

Saint-Maximin has struggled this season for consistent football having only played seven times in the Premier League.

But when he has been on the pitch, he has been effective, scoring one goal and assisting three more.

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Newcastle will be hoping that he is back to full fitness as soon as possible as they aim to maintain their good start to the season.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table, only seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

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