Dwight Gayle has barely featured for Newcastle United in 2017.
Rafael Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that he disagrees with people who say that Dwight Gayle’s absence could turn out to be a positive for Newcastle United.
Gayle has been out for most of 2017 so far after picking up a hamstring injury against Brentford.
There have been suggestions that Gayle’s break could work in Newcastle’s favour, as he should now return fit and fresh for the remainder of the season.
However, Benitez insists that he would rather have been able to use his top goalscorer for the whole campaign.
“You can take a positive view about Dwight having had a rest, but that is not for me,” Benitez said.
“Physically, he was fine, so maybe having been able to keep him scoring goals would have been better.
“We have what we have, though, so hopefully he will have fresh legs between now and the end of the season.
“I’d have liked to have him right the way through.”
Gayle’s importance for Newcastle has been highlighted during his time on the sidelines, as Benitez’s side have struggled to replace him.
While the Magpies have continued to impress and pick up victories, they have failed to find a striker who can score as prolifically as Gayle.
The former Crystal Palace man has already netted 20 goals so far this season, and leads the Championship’s scoring charts.
Gayle could start for Newcastle later this evening, when they take on Aston Villa.
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