Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has provided an update on the fitness of key first-team players Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie, revealing both players are making good progress in their recoveries.
Central midfielder Shelvey has been missing for a couple of games with a thigh injury suffered in training, while winger Ritchie missed out against Manchester City last time out due to a knee problem.
Benitez has now provided a small update on both players as they press on with their rehabilitation during the international break, with both aces said to be closer to fitness.
As quoted by the Chronicle in their live blog (Thursday, 17:39), Benitez said: “When you have players injured the international break gives you some time to recover. They are training really hard and that’s good news for us because they’re getting closer.”
OPINION
This is good news for Newcastle fans, despite the relatively vague response from Benitez. While there has not exactly been much information provided, the key is that both are making progress. As the Spaniard says, the international break has provided both players with an extra week or so to progress in their rehabilitation programmes, and that will hugely benefit the club in the long run. Shelvey’s absence over the past two games has been keenly felt, with the Magpies struggling to get a foothold in midfield in both matches he was missing. His passing and calmness on the ball provides them with a huge boost in midfield, and getting him back as soon as possible is key. Ritchie is another key squad member, with the winger providing brilliant delivery from wide areas and set pieces, while also bringing huge leadership qualities to the side. Getting both back to fitness as soon as possible is key for the Magpies if they want to get their first win of the new season.