Rafael Benitez hints at a start for Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Manager Rafael Benitez is considering his options as Newcastle United prepare to take on Cheltenham Town in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
Aleksandar Mitrovic is a player in contention as he returns from a four-game suspension picked up on the final day against Tottenham Hotspur last season.
Benitez, speaking to the club’s official website, claimed that the Serbian is very much in his plans for the tie against a side two divisions below the Magpies.
“Mitrović is a different kind of striker. He is strong and can give us some physicality too,” Benitez told the club’s official website.
“To train hard and not to play is always difficult for any player so I hope he will do well and he will give us something different.
“It is a good opportunity for him.”
The fixture list begins to seem packed as Newcastle try to continue their winning run following victories over Reading and Bristol City last week.
The side have made a massive improvement since the opening day loss against Fulham, with a 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield followed eight days later.
Now the EFL Cup gets underway, representing Mitrovic’s first opportunity to impress this campaign, in front of a St James’ Park crowd that will be demanding a third win in a row.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
