The Newcastle United player is not available for their clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has been speaking ahead of his side’s huge Championship clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this week, with his comments published on the Magpies’ official Twitter account.
Among the topics up for discussion was the availability or otherwise of Newcastle’s top scorer Dwight Gayle, and Benitez confirmed that despite earlier hopes the summer signing is not yet ready to return.
“Dwight is still improving but not ready for this game,” the Newcastle boss said.
That is a major blow for a side fighting tooth and nail with the Seagulls for top spot in the Championship, especially with fellow striker Aleksandar Mitrovic continuing to struggle in front of goal.
Gayle has scored 20 goals in just 26 matches for Newcastle this season, but they will head into the top of the table clash without him.
Newcastle are currently one point below Brighton in the race for the Championship title, and whoever wins will take a big step towards the crown come May.
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