Mbemba has failed to appear for Newcastle United since November.
Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba
Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba has posted a defiant message on Twitter ahead of Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City.
Mbemba, a £10.2 million signing from Anderlecht in 2015 (Transfermarkt), has not appeared for the Magpies since the defeat to Blackburn Rovers in late November.
The DR Congo international, a regular in last season’s Premier League campaign, was linked with a move away from the club in January, but remained at St James’ Park where he has only made one matchday squad out of a possible nine.
The Chronicle reported this week Mbemba’s banishment by Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez comes a result of his failure to fully grasp the English language, leading to a succession of mistakes earlier in the campaign.
Ciaran Clark’s absence has presented the 22-year-old with a rare chance to shine against Birmingham, although it remains to be seen if Benitez will hand him a recall at St Andrew’s.
Nevertheless, Mbemba posted earlier: “Despite my minimal playing time this season, I am here and I am not giving up. I continue to train ardently and seriously and I will not give up until I find my place in the team. My wish is to come back stronger than ever and satisfy you, my fans, as I was able to do last season in the Premier League.
“Ecclesiastes: 7: 8: ‘Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, better a patient mind than a haughty spirit.'”
Benitez will likely choose one of Mbemba or Grant Hanley to partner Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of Newcastle’s defence on Saturday.
Newcastle’s Grant Hanley
The Magpies were well beaten 3-1 at home to Fulham in their last outing.
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