The defender was left out of the matchday squad altogether for the Championship clash at Villa Park.
Newcastle United’s Chancel Mbemba in action against Derby
Rafael Benitez has explained why he decided to leave Chancel Mbemba out of his matchday squad for Newcastle United’s trip to Aston Villa at the weekend, the Chronicle reports.
Mbemba had started six of the Magpies’ eight Championship games leading up to the clash at Villa Park, but found himself left out entirely as Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark started while Grant Hanley was on the bench.
Ciaran Clark started alongside Jamaal Lascelles
But there was something of a mystery surrounding the reason for the omission as the Chronicle reports that Mbemba picked up a knock earlier in the month, while his most recent performance saw him score an own goal against Wolves at St James’ Park.
But Benitez has cleared any confusion up by insisting that the physical presence that Hanley would give them was the reason for the decision to leave Mbemba out.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
“Mbemba was fine,” he said when asked about the defender’s fitness, as reported by the Chronicle.
“To have Hanley on the bench instead of Mbemba was because of the size of him – he is strong,” he later added.
“I wanted to have another option just in case.”
Grant Hanley
Before the blunder against Wolves, the 22-year-old was perhaps one of the club’s strongest performers this season, so it may have surprised some supporters to see him not involved.
But with the Magpies conceding a late goal against Roberto Di Matteo’s men, it may be that Mbemba is brought back into the squad ahead of Wednesday’s contest with current table-toppers Norwich City.
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