Rafa Benitez is set for an injury boost ahead of Liverpool’s trip to St James’ Park, as Ayoze Perez has sent out a mission statement, in quotes reported by the Daily Star.
The crocked Spaniard faces a late fitness test to feature at the weekend when the Premier League title hopefuls arrive on Tyneside, having been forced off in our last fixture with a hip injury shortly after netting the opening goal of the game.
His thunderous strike against Brighton moved him two clear of influential centre-forward Salomon Rondon to become our clear top ‘scorer, with eleven top-flight goals, as he continued his sensational run of form.
Each of our last five goals have been scored by Perez, but there were fears at Darsley Park that the blow could restrict Benitez’s options, having already lost Miguel Almiron for the rest of the season.
Perez, however, is intent on proving his fitness in time to face Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing Reds, and give the fans one last show in our final home game of the season.
“It is a massive test because they are a top side who are doing really well, but they are coming to our home,” he said. “We have done well at our stadium and we have to take advantage.
“Hopefully we can do something good for ourselves and our fans, and finish on a high.
“I tried to carry on as long as possible [against Brighton], but I realised I had to go off because I could not sprint any more. It is sore but I will make sure I am fit for the next one.”