Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has said that he does not expect any of his club’s injury layoffs to be back in action for their Premier League game against Chelsea during the weekend.
The Magpies are currently without the services of club captain Jamaal Lascelles, winger Christian Atsu and Paul Dummett. The trio would have likely been getting game time with the first team had they been fit.
Atsu and Lascelles have missed the clubs last four matches and prior to their knocks, they had played in every game this season. Dummett meanwhile has been out of action since the clubs opening day game against Tottenham.
Benitez has given an update on the injured players and it is concerning for Magpies fans as he appears to suggest that they could be set to miss fixtures during the busy winter period.
He told the Shields Gazette: “Dummett’s training, but still he needs to have the confidence that he can sprint at 100% and all these things, so still a little time. Atsu is still recovering, but still a couple of weeks. We’ll see how he’s going on with his recovery.
“Jamaal, I have been talking with. He can run, but still he needs to manage it a little bit when he has to turn. How long? Chelsea? Very difficult for all three.”
