Rafa Benitez has revealed that Newcastle could be in line for a triple injury boost ahead of Leicester City’s visit to St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies could welcome back Christian Atsu, Paul Dummett and captain Jamaal Lascelles to the side as they look for their first win in seven Premier League matches.
Benitez revealed that Atsu and Dummett had almost made the trip to Chelsea, a match that Newcastle could have badly done with both players as they lost 3-1 to the defending champions.
Atsu has been out with a thigh strain he sustained against Bournemouth on the 4th of November, while Dummett has been out since the opening day with a hamstring injury.
Lascelles looks slightly further away from a return but will be assessed this week after missing four games with an ankle complaint.
Speaking after the Chelsea defeat, as quoted by the Chronicle, Benitez said: “We will see this week. Atsu was very close, Dummett was very close, Jamaal was better but we will see how he feels during the week. They are closer but we will see on Tuesday how they feel. They are getting better.”
OPINION
These are three players that Newcastle have missed desperately in their respective absences this season. Dummett’s opening day injury has left a gaping hole on the left side of the Magpies’ defence. Javier Manquillo has filled in admirably but does not offer the solidity that Dummett does. Atsu’s pace and penetration has been lacking for Newcastle since his injury, and Lascelles is the leader that their defence relies upon. If all three do make it back for Saturday, they will give the team the best chance they have of getting that elusive win.