This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

Allan Saint-Maximin's injury is a big blow for Newcastle but it could allow another capable player to step up and prove his worth.

On the chalkboard

Christian Atsu is similar to the Frenchman in terms of his pace and dribbling ability, and if he can add directness to his game that the 22-year-old often shows he could be very difficult to deal with.

The Ghana international has never really delivered for the Magpies since being signed by Rafa Benitez and has often struggled. That is reflected by the fact he has started just 34 league games in the previous two seasons, scoring only three goals in those outings.

Other than a small run of starts in September he has frequently been overlooked by Steve Bruce, too, but now there is a vacant position on the left flank he has the perfect opportunity to stake his claim.

It will be difficult to outperform Saint-Maximin, who has averaged 4.5 successful dribbles per game this term, but Atsu has arguably been more productive in the final third, and that means he is an asset.

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Operating with Atsu and Miguel Almiron on either flank may cause concern, but a closer look at Atsu's record this season shows he can deliver for Bruce in the coming matches.

He has three assists despite making only four starts. That is more than Almiron and Saint-Maximin have managed combined, and his ability to pick out a cross could suit both Joelinton and Andy Carroll, who are adept in the air.

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Against Southampton, they won ten and eight aerial duels respectively, and therefore Bruce should instruct Atsu to look to them whenever possible.

The 27-year-old averaged 2.08 chances created per game after game week 14, one of the best returns for players outside the top-six, and that suggests that he would be able to create numerous chances if he played more often.

Newcastle need that, certainly from open play where they have scored only ten goals this campaign, and if the winger proves to be as useful in that area then he could retain his place in the team even when Saint-Maximin returns.

He will, however, need to become more involved in matches, as he has averaged just 11.5 passes per game, though many of those were substitute appearances.

The Magpies need players to link up with the central striker and create chances for them if they are to progress, otherwise, they may have to continue relying on goals from defenders to bail them out of trouble.

Despite the injury to a key player and the lack of goals, Lee Charnley has suggested that signings aren't very likely, which has sparked an angry response from fans.