Saint-Maximin responds to social media rumours with new message to Newcastle United fans

Prior to confirmation of Allan Saint-Maximin's absence at Sheffield Wednesday, a surge of rumours were spreading around social media last night.

Some 'ITK' accounts (sigh*) claimed he'd fallen out with Eddie Howe, while others said he'd been left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons.

Howe confirmed after the game that ASM fell ill on Friday and wasn't well enough to travel, and the Frenchman has posted an update of his own on Instagram.

In a post on his Instagram story during the game, he said: “Always behind you guys. I will be back very soon" - a message which was followed by a medical mask emoji, suggesting he was in fact unwell (see below)

After the dismal 2-1 defeat at Hillsborough, Howe added that the winger has a chance of returning for next Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester.

Let's hope he recovers quickly and can offer that quality in the final third we were sorely missing in South Yorkshire!