OPINION
While it is not a wise tactic, it is quite clear that Newcastle United are nearly totally reliant on midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to provide the creativity for the forward line to thrive – which meant his recent absence was a heavy blow to their chances of success.
Admittedly, the Magpies were not expected to get much out of the three games the 26-year-old has been missing from, with visits from Chelsea and Arsenal sandwiching a trip down to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Looking to bounce back from four defeats in their first five games, Benitez and his men head to Selhurst Park on Saturday looking to defeat Crystal Palace, but according to the Daily Star faced a major first team worry with Shelvey and star defender Jamaal Lascelles both doubts for the trip, having not taken part in full training due to their respective injury blows.
However, as if the club themselves could sense the concern emanating on Tyneside, they released a behind-the-scenes video on their official Twitter account, with special attention paid on the fact that both players were among the squad taking part on the training ground.
? The players were in good spirits on the training pitch this morning as they continued their preparations for Saturday's @premierleague game at @CPFC. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/EI6XHZCwKg
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 20, 2018
Now Newcastle do have a range of players to call upon, and have done so over recent weeks, but it must be said that both Shelvey and Lascelles are the stand out performers in their positions and having them back in action is a massive step towards defeating the Eagles and getting their first win on the board.
This could be mind games from Newcastle, trying to psyche Palace out by revealing the two are training, but it seems more to be a big morale boost for the Toon Army who will be cheering their men on in London, with or without Shelvey and Lascelles.