Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has been given a welcome fitness boost, with duo Mikel Merino and Paul Dummett both stepping up their respective recoveries from injury, the Chronicle report.
The Magpies manager has revealed that both have made good progress this week and could be available as soon as Saturday, as they prepare for to welcome Watford to St James Park.
Dummett is expected to be fit for the weekend after injuring his hamstring against Tottenham in the first game of the season, something which Benitez has welcomed.
Dummett is important for us, because he is one of the only left-footed full backs that we have. He is someone who has some experience too, and will give us more competition and different options.
Meanwhile, midfielder Mikel Merino’s last appearance for the Magpies was four weeks ago, where he grabbed a late winner against Crystal Palace. The Spaniard has since been out with a back injury, with the Spanish media suggesting he could be out for ten weeks.
However, he has stepped up his rehabilitation in the last week on Tyneside and could be fit for Saturday’s crucial game.
