Newcastle United are set to take on Southampton at St. Mary’s in their next match after the international break.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has suggested to the Chronicle that both Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu are struggling for fitness, ahead of his side’s match against Southampton in two Sundays’ time.
The wing pair are both nursing knocks, and while they are yet to be ruled out, they are both facing a race against time to be back fit in time to play against the Saints.
If Ritchie and Atsu do miss out it will present Benitez with a selection dilemma.
Ritchie and Atsu have been Newcastle’s first choice wing pairing this season, with the former’s creativity and the latter’s pace coming to the fore.
But, if they are unavailable, Benitez will have to consider what his next best option is – and it may be that Rolando Aarons could come back into contention.
Aarons has had a miserable time with injury in recent seasons, but he remains a hugely exciting talent.
Blessed with skill, pace and a wonderful crossing ability, Aarons could be a real wildcard for Newcastle and catch Southampton off guard.
And it may be that this is the chance that Aarons has been waiting for for a long time now. It’s just up to him to seize it.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
