Steve Bruce confirms triple Newcastle United blow for Leeds United clash and provides Allan Saint-Maximin fitness update

Clark, Dummett and Fernandez all missed Saturday's 2-0 loss at Aston Villa in which creative French winger Maximin returned from a two-month absence through injury and the effects of coronavirus as a 71st-minute substitute.

Bruce, though, says that Tuesday's Premier League contest Leeds at St James' Park will probably come too soon to start Saint-Maximin and revealed that his defensive trio are all still out.

"It's been a frustration I have had," said Bruce at his pre-match press conference.

"Over this period, we’ve had illness, more importantly than anything, and of course injuries.

"Even tomorrow, we’ve got three centre backs out.

"It couldn't be just a defender, a midfielder and a forward player – all our injuries tomorrow are in a certain position.

“We’ve been a bit unfortunate in that respect, but as I said I never look for excuses like that because it’s part and parcel of it.

"But certainly, we’ve missed Allan in particular because he does give us the goal threat of which unfortunately we’ve been missing.”

Fifth-bottom Newcastle have gone over 14 hours without scoring in open play but Bruce saw both Maximin and fellow winger Ryan Fraser return from their recent absences as second-half substitutes against Villa.

Fraser had been suspended having been sent off for a second booking in the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United earlier this month.

Asked if Maximin could start against Leeds, Bruce reasoned: "I would think it's a little bit too soon for him but we will see how he is today.

"He has played something like 25 minutes, had a week's training under his belt and been off for the best part of eight weeks so we have got to box a little bit clever.

“It’s the first time, for 20 minutes the other night, we’ve had Ryan Fraser and Allan on the pitch, for one reason and another.

“We know what a difference Allan can make to us with that creativity and certainly Ryan, when he’s well, and when he’s fit, he’s proved that he’s capable too.

"Let’s hope they both stay well because if they do, then I’m quietly convinced that they will provide enough ammunition that we need to score which is always the most difficult thing in the Premier League.”

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Thank you Laura Collins