Newcastle United will be without nine players for their clash with Rotherham United – as top faces bottom in the Championship,
Championship leaders Newcastle United welcome bottom-of-the table Rotherham United to St James’ Park, with the added value of including the returning Jonjo Shelvey to the starting line-up.
Shelvey, who played the full 90-minutes in Newcastle’s midweek FA Cup third round replay triumph over Birmingham City, is available for the first time since December 17th – after the midfielder completed a five game suspension following last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Brentford.
Further positive selection options for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez comes in the form of Isaac Hayden – who suffered a groin injury against Brentford but should be declared fit to face Rotherham, having been a used substitute in the 3-1 defeat of Birmingham.
Although that’s where the good news stops for Benitez – as Newcastle will be without nine members of their usual first team squad. Top scorer Dwight Gayle misses out through a hamstring injury and Vernon Anita’s ankle issue also rules him out of selection. Knee problems for Aleksandar Mitrovic, Massaido Haidara and Rolando Aarons, in addition to Jesus Gamez’s collarbone injury, means that the Newcastle treatment room is brimming with patients.
The ongoing African Cup of Nations sees Newcastle’s absentees increased – as regular starter Mohamed Diame, along with first-teamers Christian Atsu and Chancel Mbemba, are all representing their respective countries.
However, even considering the restraints on Benitez’s selection pool, Newcastle are still able to construct a strong line-up. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow should line-up behind a now established back four – consisting of full backs DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett, flanking the central defensive pairing of Ciaran Clark and captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Benitez’s tendency for the midfield double-pivot sees the expected selection of Hayden and Jack Colback – with Shelvey expected to take up a more advanced midfield role behind potential Gayle replacement Daryl Murphy, deployed as a lone forward. Murphy, who has experienced somewhat of a resurgence in recent weeks, looks set to be afforded the starting spot ahead of alternative Ayoze Perez. Whichever front man Benitez prefers, wingers Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran are fully expected to provide support from wide areas.
Meanwhile, Rotherham have their own array of injuries for the daunting trip to St James’ Park. Forwards Danny Ward and Dexter Blackstock join defender Kirk Broadfoot and captain Lee Frecklington as injury absentees. However, fans of the Millers will be hoping to catch a glimpse of new signing Richard O’Donnell, as the former Bristol City goalkeeper is available for selection.
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