OPINION
What a boost it will be for Newcastle United to have Ki Sung-yueng back in contention for a starting spot.
The South Korean international has been out of action since he was sent him early from the Asian Cup in January, but he made a tentative return in the 1-1 friendly draw with CSKA Moscow on Saturday, playing 45 minutes.
Rafa Benitez must resist the urge to throw him back into Premier League action too soon, however.
Speaking after the game to the club’s official website, as quoted in the Chronicle, Ki said: “I don’t feel 100 per cent yet but there is no pain from my hamstring injury.
“Hopefully I will get better and keep pushing in training.”
The news is positive from the player, but his manager should still be cautious in reintroducing him to the side.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, and Ki has been out for some time with his complaint. He may have no pain, but if the 30-year-old says he is still not 100% then Benitez should do his best to bear that in mind.
More than anything, Ki’s reintroduction shouldn’t be crucial to the Magpies’ fortunes. Yes, it will be a massive help as they approach a difficult part of the season, but the advent of Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff as midfield duo should ease a lot of the pressure of Ki to make an immediate return.
That will suit Benitez’s conservative demeanour, and he will know better than anyone that patience with Ki now could reap big rewards in the near future.