Newcastle star Christian Atsu aggravated a thigh muscle tear while on duty with Ghana during the international break, subsequently missing out of the Magpies’ game against Manchester United on Sunday.
The winger picked up the knock against Bournemouth, and manager Rafa Benitez was reluctant to let him link up with the West African nation as the World Cup qualifiers against Egypt was a mere formality.
Atsu’s knock was worsened during a training session back home and he was immediately sent back to Tyneside.
Nevertheless, Benitez refused to blame Ghana, telling the Gazette when asked about Atsu’s injury: “I want to be very, very honest and clear.
“He had a kick during the game against Bournemouth, and after when he shot he was feeling it a little bit.
“He put some ice on it and said he was fine. Then he went away with the national team. He had a training session and they sent him back.
“It’s not the case that they were using him and then something happened. He had a little problem and then he went there, couldn’t play and he came back.
“It’s not that it’s their fault. It’s just something that happened.”
Coincidentally, Manchester United lost defender Phil Jones to an injury during the international break, prompting a rant from manager Jose Mourinho towards the F.A and England manager Gareth Southgate.
Newcastle host Watford on Saturday and will attempt to end a run of 3 consecutive losses.
Atsu won’t be available for the clash, and Benitez now has to choose between Ayoze Perez, Rolando Aarons or Jacob Murphy to play in place of the Ghanaian.
