Head coach Eddie Howe said success of Saudi trip last January is reason for the squad’s return to the Kingdom in December NEWCASTLE: Head coach Eddie Howe has suffered a serious forward-line injury blow, with the news that Allan Saint-Maximin is likely to miss at least Newcastle’s next two games. The Frenchman has started just four games for United this season, the most recent of which was a 1-1 away draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in August. “I haven’t seen too much of Allan in the last few days as we’ve been preparing for games but I think he’s making good progress,” said Howe. “He’s very focused on his recovery and working very hard with the physios to get his injury right.” United travel to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday looking to extend their six-game unbeaten streak in the top flight. Arab News understands 25-year-old Saint-Maximin will definitely miss that trip and is a major doubt for a visit from managerless Aston Villa the following Saturday. Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is another doubt for Sunday after he was withdrawn halfway through the 1-0 home win over Everton in midweek. “He had a knock to the side of his knee,” said Howe. “It was quite an unusual one as we thought it was a knock and hopefully he could run it off. “Joe is the type of lad that is very mentally strong and can play with lots of different injuries, so when he said he had to come off at half-time, we knew there was a potential issue there. We’re hopeful it’s not serious but at this moment in time, it’s slightly unclear.” In other news, Howe confirmed his reasons, and the club’s, for taking a second trip to Saudi Arabia this year. It was announced this week that the Magpies will visit Riyadh from Dec. 4 to 10 and face Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in a friendly on Dec. 8. United previously spent time in Jeddah in January, during which they recorded a 2-1 friendly win over Al-Ittihad. “First and foremost, when you look back to last (time), our decision to go there and the benefit it had for the team and the results on our return were really good,” said Howe. “So we got a few positive connotations from that. “Going back to our trip last (time), the weather was very good, the facilities were first-class, we were able to spend some quality time together to bond the group and really focus our energies on our battle to stay in the division. The team spirit off the back of that trip was very, very good. “Obviously, we have that positive experience to fall back on and it’s helped with our decision this time. We are going to play one game there at this moment.” Meanwhile, the Magpies on Friday named Adam Bartlett as the club’s new head of goalkeeping and have hired former Bournemouth keeper Shwan Jalal as first team goalkeeping coach. Jalal, who is of Iraqi descent, arrives following the departure during the summer of long-serving goalkeeping coach Simon Smith. He was previously first team goalkeeping coach at Stockport County. “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to head the goalkeeping department at Newcastle United and to welcome Shwan as our new first team goalkeeping coach,” said Bartlett. “I am very excited about what we can achieve, collectively. Together with the excellent coaches we have across the men’s first team, Newcastle United Women and the Academy, we will be striving to make the department as strong as possible and assist in developing all our goalkeepers.” Jalal, who played under Howe at Bournemouth between 2008 and 2014, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Newcastle United. I’m excited to work with Adam and to be reunited with Eddie Howe and the coaching team, who I have so much respect for. “This is something I’ve worked hard for. I’m aware of the size of the club and the project ahead, and I can’t wait to get going.”