Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has hopes of Allan Saint-Maximin making their clash with Brentford.

Howe will make a late call on Saint-Maximin's fitness ahead of Saturday's crucial Premier League relegation clash with Brentford after sending him to Monaco for intensive treatment.

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.

"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."