Newcastle United manager Rafael Benítez will refuse to take any risks with players not yet fully fit for tonight’s visit of Preston North End in the 4th round of the EFL Cup.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Benítez confirmed that Jesus Gamez, Achraf Lazaar and Daryl Murphy won’t feature tonight. The trio have all struggled with injuries since their respective arrivals in the summer, and won’t be risked tonight.
The players who were injured before are the same.
Murphy, Lazaar who has a little problem, and Gamez, it is too early because I don’t want to take any risks with any of them. We have enough players to use them.
When the players are fully fit they will start training, then I can play them, but at the moment we have enough players and will use the others.
However, Benítez is likely to make changes for tonight’s cup clash, with Aleksandar Mitrović set to lead the line for the Magpies.
Matz Sels could also be brought in for the cup game, with the Belgian goalkeeper having been left out of the side since Newcastle’s draw with Aston Villa in September. Other recent fringe players such as Grant Hanley and Chancel Mbemba may also feature.
I like to change players if I can because it keeps everybody on their toes. If somebody is not performing the other one will play more games. I think it’s the only way.
They need to compete with each other and listen to the same message.
