Newcastle United have been without Ciaran Clark in their last six matches.
Rafael Benitez has admitted to the Shields Gazette that his Newcastle United side have missed Ciaran Clark in recent weeks.
Clark has been out with injury for Newcastle’s last six matches, and the North East side’s form has dipped.
Benitez’s side have won just two of their matches with Clark sidelined, and they were beaten 3-1 by Ipswich Town in their most recent match.
And the Spanish boss feels that Newcastle are a weaker team without Clark, as they have no other naturally left-sided centre-backs available to them.
“You can miss players who are doing well and then you lose them,” Benitez said. “We have missed Clark, because players need time to settle and adjust.
“Another thing with Clark is that he is left-footed. Play (Grant) Hanley or (Chancel) Mbemba there, they are right footed. Other managers will analyse that and they try to make sure you suffer.”
Clark is expected to return to Newcastle’s team tonight, for their match against Preston North End.
The Magpies can seal their promotion this evening, if they are able to pick up a win in the fixture.
Newcastle have watched on as many of their promotion rivals have stuttered, which leaves them with a huge opportunity.
Newcastle will also close the gap on top of the table Brighton down to four points if they are able to pick up a win this evening.
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