Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that Christian Atsu, Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles are edging closer to fitness, reports the Chronicle.
What’s the latest?
Dummett has not featured for the Magpies since August, while Atsu and Lascelles have been on the sidelines for a month.
Both played in the team’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth at St James’ Park, but neither have been recalled due to injuries.
Benitez has now revealed, though, that Atsu and Dummett could be ready in time for Saturday’s match against Leicester City on home soil.
With regards to Lascelles, the manager is expected to make a late decision ahead of the crucial fixture.
The Chronicle quotes Benitez as saying:
“I don’t know. We will see this week. Atsu was very close, Dummett was very close, Jamaal was better but we will see how he feels during the week. They are closer but we will see on Tuesday how they feel. They are getting better.”
Will this news be the much-needed boost?
The North-East outfit are having a torrid time of late given that the team have suffered five defeats in their last six Premier League games.
During the early stages of the season, the Magpies moved into the top half of the table, but they have since dropped to 15th.
The club are not quite in a relegation battle, but they are only five points above the drop after 15 fixtures.
The return of injured players is always a welcome boost, but the importance of Lascelles being passed fit is paramount.
The club captain has been a rock at the back for Newcastle and in his absence the team have conceded 12 goals in the top flight.
Having the 24-year-old back in the setup is sure to ease some nerves.
