Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed that key duo Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles are fit to face Crystal Palace this weekend in a major double boost for the club.
Shelvey has been missing for several weeks with a thigh issue but has been passed fit for Saturday afternoon’s clash at Selhurst Park.
Lascelles played 45 minutes of the Magpies’ 2-1 loss to Arsenal last time out before being withdrawn with an ankle injury picked up beforehand, and the captain has also been passed fit to face the Eagles.
Benitez, speaking in the pre-match press conference on Friday, confirmed the news, as per Shields Gazette reporter Miles Starforth on Twitter:
Rafa Benitez has revealed that Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey are fit for tomorrow's game. #nufc #cpfc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) September 21, 2018
OPINION
This is a huge double boost for Benitez and Newcastle as they look to secure their first win of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday. After facing four of the top teams in the division in their first five games, the Magpies will be looking forward to a run of matches against teams further down the table. The Eagles have endured a mixed start to the season under Roy Hodgson, with six points from their five matches, but will be hard to break down at home. Their attacking force, containing the red-hot Wilfried Zaha, will also be a worry for Benitez, who has struggled to get his side flowing yet this season. The return of Shelvey is the biggest boost for the club, with the Magpies badly missing his passing ability in the middle of the park, and the return of Lascelles will help them shore up at the back.