It’s been an exciting few weeks for Newcastle. A few good results have come our way, and we had a fantastic end to the January transfer window. The arrival of Miguel Almiron, in particular, is reason enough for fans to be excited, and it will be interesting to see how the new boys adapt.
It’s not all about the new players, though. Indeed, attention must also be placed on the long-standing members of the Newcastle squad, and Rafael Benitez has delivered some good news on that front.
He said: “Apart from Jonjo and Elliot, the rest of the team are fine. Everyone else is fit and available. It is good news – competition, as I always say, is positive for the team.”
RB on injury news: “It’s much better. Apart from Jonjo and Elliot, the rest of the team are fine. Everyone else is fit and available. It is good news – competition, as I always say, is positive for the team.” #NUFC pic.twitter.com/JKG40yYZgS
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 8, 2019
RB on Jonjo Shelvey: “He is close. He has been training outside but we don’t want to take any risks. Still I think we have to wait one or two weeks. It depends.” #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 8, 2019
It’s always important for Benitez to have a big number of players to choose from, and on Monday it seems like he’ll have exactly that.
We haven’t got the biggest squad in the world, and so one absentee can cause a problem. Fortunately, with just two on the missing list this weekend, we should be able to cope.
Shelvey appears to be edging closer to a return, and that’s great for us. The sooner he’s back the better, as we’ve lacked his midfield creativity.
Thoughts?