Newcastle United attacker Daryl Murphy did not feature against Norwich City in the Championship last weekend.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed to The Shields Gazette why he did not include Daryl Murphy in the squad last week.
Murphy was not part of the Newcastle squad for the Championship game against Norwich City away from home at Carrow Road last Tuesday evening.
“We had 25 players available the other day, so we had to make decisions and keep some players out,” Benitez told The Shields Gazette about his decision to leave the 33-year-old out.
“Dwight Gayle is the top scorer in the league, and if he was coming back, we had to leave someone out. Mitro was starting, so it had to be Daryl.
“Sometimes, you are disappointed for players, because they are so good as professionals and they give you everything. But you have to decide. When you have 18, the others cannot be on the bench.”
Murphy, who is 33 years of age and can operate as a striker or as a winger, joined Newcastle from Championship rivals Ipswich Town in the summer of 2016.
The Republic of Ireland international has been able to make only five appearances in the league so far this season, scoring two goals and creating one chance in the process.
Newcastle are second in the Championship table at the moment with 66 points from 31 matches.
The Magpies, who got relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2015-16 campaign, are two points behind leaders Brighton & Hove Albion, but they have a game in hand.
Benitez’s side will return to action on Monday evening when they take on Aston Villa at St. James’ Park in the Championship.
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