Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that he is keeping a close eye on first team outcast Achraf Lazaar while he features for the under-23 side as he touts a potential lifeline back for the Moroccan international.
The left back, who was a summer signing back in 2016, has failed to make the grade at St James’ Park with just 10 appearances under the 26-year-old’s belt, as well as time away from Tyneside on loan.
Having failed to feature in a single matchday squad this season, Lazaar, who confirmed he was training with the youth side after being cast out by Benitez, has found game time for the under-23s, and Benitez has been watching on, stating that it could form a way back for the defender.
He told the Chronicle: “I was there to watch everyone. But it is a positive for him to want to be involved with the Under-23s. It is something that we will keep an eye on.
“For us it is important to know what all of our players are doing.”
Opinion
It sounds as though Benitez has offered the outcast something of an olive branch there, but it will take plenty of work for the left sided flyer to force his way back into the plans of the Spanish boss. No one really knows why he has been exiled from the first team, other than for a lack of quality, and if that were the case questions must be raised over why the club were unable to find an exit, either on loan or permanently, for him during the summer transfer window. Did Benitez think the defender still had something to offer? If that is the case, then why is he training away from the first team rather than being given the chance to shine in preparation for senior matches? Something does not add up over Lazaar, and the sooner he can end his nightmare at St James’ Park – not that he features in front of the Newcastle faithful any more – the better for everyone.