Newcastle United have failed to score in five of the nine games Mitrovic has missed this season.
Paul Merson says he is not sure why Newcastle United aren’t using Aleksandar Mitrovic more often.
Mitrovic, an eight-figure signing from Anderlecht in 2015, has played only 155 minutes of football this season but found the net on two occasions, nonetheless.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have failed to score in five of the nine games the Serbian his missed this campaign.
And, writing in his regular predictions column for Sky Sports, Merson claims that Mitrovic’s presence could have a positive impact on another Newcastle striker, Dwight Gayle.
“I don’t really see much up front for Newcastle,” said the former England international. “And I’m not sure why Rafa Benitez doesn’t play Mitrovic more. He’s a presence and can put himself about.
“I think Dwight Gayle maybe needs someone beside him to bully people, and then hit them with his pace.”
Speaking to the Chronicle this week, Mitrovic, who has been linked with a move away from Newcastle on multiple occasions since his move to St James’ Park, said his patience is “almost to the end”.
Newcastle go into Saturday’s game against Watford 11th in the Premier League, albeit only five points clear of the bottom three.
And their recent form – one win in their last seven games – is certainly cause for concern.
Should Benitez give Mitrovic a run-out against Watford?
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