Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin is doubtful for the Magpies' upcoming Premier League trip to Fulham after a setback in his recovery from injury. 

The lowdown

The winger hasn't played for Newcastle since the 1-1 draw away to Wolves on 28 August. The Frenchman sustained a hamstring injury in the closing stages of that match, and it has ruled him out for the Toon Army's three games since.

Saint-Maximin had been on course to return for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth but his recovery hasn't gone as planned.

Newcastle are due to travel to Craven Cottage on 1 October after the international break.

The latest

Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo relayed news from Eddie Howe on Saint-Maximin's fitness via Twitter.

He reported that Saint-Maximin 'has suffered an injury setback' and, as such, he 'is already a doubt' for the game against Fulham.

The verdict

Saint-Maximin had been in fine form prior to his injury, following up a pair of assists against Manchester City with a goal against Wolves, and his importance to this Newcastle side is abundantly clear.

He leads the way in the Magpies' ranks (among those with at least one start) for expected assists per 90 (0.26), so he can be described as their foremost creative threat. Howe's side outscore the opposition by an average of 0.53 goals per 90 minutes with Saint-Maximin on the pitch, and only Callum Wilson (+0.74) can better that record.

Former Newcastle first-team coach Alex Bruce has called him an 'unbelievable' and 'superb' talent and believes that the 25-year-old is 'as good as any winger in the world' (via BBC Sport).

After what journalist Mark Douglas called a 'disappointing' result against Bournemouth on Saturday, this represents yet another setback for Newcastle.