NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe will make a late call on Allan Saint-Maximin’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League relegation clash with the Bees.

The mercurial Frenchman missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw at West Ham but has a chance of returning.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, head coach Howe said: “Maxi, we’re going to make a late call on. He’s been away getting intensive treatment.

“We said when he suffered the injury that it wouldn’t be long-term, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed on him.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Newcastle boss Eddie HoweNewcastle boss Eddie Howe

Howe added: “He got a bang on the calf against Aston Villa. In terms of his rehab, he’s been away to get intensive, specialised treatment abroad.

“We felt that was the quickest way to get him fit, so he’s in a very good place mentally and he’s very eager to return.”

The Magpies will also be without Kieran Trippier who is expected to be out for the next six weeks.

Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch last summer, could make his debut in the game and Howe would be delighted to see him do so.

He said: “I was watching the game where he collapsed and my thoughts and prayers were with him and his family hoping that he made a healthy recovery from that really tough situation, and thank God he has.

“It would be great to see him back on a football pitch. From our side, during the game, we can have no emotion towards that, we all have to concentrate on our jobs.

“But certainly it’s great to see him fit and healthy and enjoying his football again.”

Bees fans will be hoping that the Dane will be able to help the team's efforts in steering away from the relegation zone after a poor run of form has seen the club drop down the league.

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