Jonjo Shelvey made his return to Newcastle United’s first-team against Birmingham City yesterday.
Rafael Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that he has been very impressed by Jonjo Shelvey’s performances in Newcastle United training.
Shelvey has missed Newcastle’s last five matches, and his absence has coincided with Benitez’s side’s worst run of form this season.
The Magpies struggled without the England international in their starting line-up, during his time on the sidelines.
However, Shelvey made his return from suspension last night against Birmingham City in the FA Cup, and his impact was clear to see.
Newcastle beat Birmingham 3-1 to progress to the fourth round of the cup tournament, where they will face Oxford United.
Although Shelvey did not get on the scoresheet, he still put in a very impressive showing.
And Benitez has suggested that the central midfielder has been very good in training recently.
“He was training really well,” he said. “It’s not the same match fitness, but it was not too long. He was training really well. He’s fine. He needed to play. I think it’s positive for him.”
Shelvey is now likely to start for Newcastle in their next match, which comes against Rotherham United on Saturday.
If the Magpies can win against the relegation threatened Millers, they will consolidate their position at the top of the Championship table.
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