Newcastle United fan favourite Jamaal Lascelles has been involved in a training ground bust-up with Rafa Benitez, according to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope.
The reliable journalist claimed on his personal Twitter account on Sunday that Lascelles has been axed from the starting line-up against Chelsea after questioning a tactical decision by Benitez.
Understand NUFC skipper Jamaal Lascelles dropped by Rafa Benitez after training-ground fallout over manager's decision to play three at back for today's visit of Chelsea. More @MailSport
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 26, 2018
The Magpies have confirmed on their official Twitter account that despite being club captain, the 24-year-old defender is not involved in the matchday squad as Benitez plays with three at the back.
TEAM NEWS
Here's how Newcastle United will line up for this afternoon's @premierleague game against @ChelseaFC. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/3TWG9yTQwu
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 26, 2018
OPINION
This is a major blow for Newcastle and hopefully Benitez and Lascelles are about to resolve their differences. Newcastle’s poor summer transfer window means that they need all of their players to not only remain available all season, but also be consummate professionals. Lascelles, despite him being club captain, should not be questioning Bentitez’s tactics whether he thinks they are right or not. It is odd that the Magpies boss wants to experiment with three at the back against Chelsea and not wait for the Carabao Cup game with Nottingham Forest next week, but that is his choice and he is one of the best managers in English football. Hopefully Lascelles is back in contention to play soon and everyone can forget about this ugly episode because if it drags on, it could mean the end of the former Forest defender’s time at St James’ Park after he attracted reported bids in the summer.