OPINION
Jacob Murphy only arrived at St James’ Park in the summer from Norwich City, but he should already be fearful about his Newcastle United future.
The 23-year-old winger joined the Magpies at the beginning of the season for a reported £12million transfer fee and was expected to make a huge impact.
However, the England Under-21 international has struggled to force his way into the starting XI on a temporary basis and has completed 90 minutes in just three Premier League games.
The right-winger should be particularly concerned after manager Rafael Benitez decided to omit him from the 18-man match day squad at the weekend against Bournemouth.
Newcastle drew 2-2 away to Bournemouth and Murphy was not involved in the squad for a league match for the first time this season.
The current squad is hardly a competitive one and there should be real question marks raised about whether he is good enough in the long term.
Benitez will surely want to improve his options if the club avoid relegation this season and there has been little from Murphy yet to suggest he can make a serious impact in the top flight.
Murphy has just one goals in his 21 appearances across all competitions this campaign and needs a serious turn of luck to become a Benitez regular.