ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN is set to step up his training programme today as he continues to edge towards a first-team return at Newcastle United.

Saint-Maximin has been sidelined since the end of November after suffering badly from the after-effects of a coronavirus infection.

The winger was allowed to return to his native France as he struggled to recover from Covid, but having been back in the North-East for a couple of weeks, he has been subjected to a series of tests overseen by Newcastle’s medical department.

He took the latest of those tests yesterday, and will receive the green light to increase his workload provided the results are satisfactory.

While Steve Bruce is in desperate need of an attacking lift with his side on an eight-game winless run ahead of Monday’s trip to Arsenal, the Magpies’ medics will continue to err on the side of caution when it comes to increasing Saint-Maximin’s physical output.

However, there is a chance he could be involved in full training sessions next week, paving the way for a possible first-team return before the end of January.

Speaking about Saint-Maximin’s situation earlier this week, Bruce said: “Look, he’s been out for the best part of seven weeks now, so we’ve got to see how he is physically.

“He’s still got one or two tests to be done over the next 48 hours, so that’s critical to him, but we hope he can get back up and started. But I would think it (a first-team return) is a while away yet.”

Jamaal Lascelles was the other Newcastle player to suffer from long-Covid, and having played for 45 minutes of last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Arsenal, the skipper was forced to sit out Tuesday’s loss at Sheffield United.

He is set to return to the squad for Monday’s league game at the Emirates, although his fellow defender, Paul Dummett, is a doubt after hobbling out of the Sheffield United game.