Newcastle suffered a disappointing loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, and not just because of the result.
Rafa Benitez could be without three of his senior Newcastle stars when the Toon travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, according to the Shields Gazette.
Captain Jamaal Lascelles and speed machine Christian Atsu both hobbled off the St. James’ Park pitch on Saturday afternoon as Benitez saw his side suffer a late 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Defender Steve Cook scored in injury time to earn an unlikely three points for the Cherries, who have been disappointing this season under manager Eddie Howe.
Lascelles and Atsu are now doubtful for the Magpies clash against United on November 18 after the international break, while Benitez stated Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino will undergo treatment.
The report states that he is expected to miss the game, claiming he could be out until next month with a back injury.
However, the Shields Gazette report claims 26-year-old left-back Paul Dummett is nearing a return from a hamstring injury which he suffered during the Toon’s first game of the season against Tottenham back in August.
“Jamaal, will have his ankle (assessed), with Atsu, he felt something, but it’s too early to tell,” Benitez said.
“We have to start treatment [on Merino]. It depends how he responds to the treatment.”
Newcastle’s squad is already considered thin after Benitez was blocked in his attempts to bring a number of players to Tyneside in the summer. Without Lascelles, Merino and Atsu, the Toon will be down to the bare bones.
Benitez will be desperate for his international stars to return to the side fit and healthy as the international break takes precedence over the Premier League until November 18’s clash.
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