Eddie Howe has revealed why Allan Saint-Maximin was only used as an impact sub during last night’s defeat at Goodison Park.
The NUFC boss admitted he “wasn’t close to starting” in the end, insisting it would’ve been too much of a risk given he’s only managed TWO training sessions over the past four weeks.
His past month has been heavily disrupted, with him travelling to France for treatment on a calf injury and then falling ill prior to last week’s trip to Southampton.
As a result, Howe has reminded fans that he would’ve had a “high chance” of picking up another injury had he came in from the start last night, defending his decision to name him on the bench and the performance he put in during his 33 minutes on the pitch.
Here’s what Eddie has to say about our enigmatic Frenchman, clearing up social media suggestions he’s out of favour or has fallen out with the NUFC boss:
“Maxi wasn’t close to starting.
“He’s had two training sessions in four weeks, and when you have an intense spell of games like we have had, it’s very difficult to get that load into him.
“The trouble is if you start him without the base, there’s a high chance he gets injured.
“So, we decided to use him from the bench again.
“I thought he did well when he came on.
“He gave us and outlet, and did what he always does.
“He’s a threat one-v-one, and dribbled with the ball very well.”
Eddie he gave the ball away in midfield for Everton’s goal and he did the same against Chelsea he needs to know when to dribble and when to pass and once he learns this he will become an even better player
Dave(Quote)