NEWCASTLE United manager Eddie Howe will be sweating on the fitness of a number of his stars, after revealing: “I think there’s a few boys in the dressing room nursing little things.”

The biggest of those includes in-form Ryan Fraser, who scored and assisted during their 2-1 win over Brighton at the weekend – before being forced off the field. 

The Toon are set to travel to Saints on Thursday evening, in the re-arranged Premier League clash at St Mary’s. The match was postponed in controversial circumstances, after Newcastle's request to the Premier League was accepted thanks to an injury-hit squad.

Fraser, who started every match of their eight-game unbeaten run and provided four goal contributions in the last five, exited the field in the 79th minute on Saturday.

Daily Echo: Eddie Howe and assistant Jason Tindall (Pic: PA)Eddie Howe and assistant Jason Tindall (Pic: PA)

Howe and the Scottish international are very familiar with each other, having worked together across eight seasons with south-coast AFC Bournemouth.

“I think there’s a few boys in the dressing room nursing little things today,” Howe said, after his side’s recent victory.

“You saw a few of them stretching on the pitch. It was a big physical effort. There were a few players right on the edge.

“Hopefully, Ryan will be OK.”

The enigmatic Allan Saint-Maximin, who was set to miss out in the initially planned New Year clash between the two sides, made a return from the bench during the victory on Saturday.

Daily Echo: The two sides drew 2-2 back in August (Pic: PA)The two sides drew 2-2 back in August (Pic: PA) (Image: PA)

The 24-year-old Frenchman had missed the last two versus West Ham and Brentford, but could make a start at St Mary’s.

January transfer and England international Kieran Trippier will remain out on the sidelines after his injury, as will star striker Callum Wilson.

Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie have also missed out of late with long-term concerns and are not set to make a return for this Premier League clash.