Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has offered an update on Mikel Merino.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that Mikel Merino will see a specialist this week about his back injury.
The Magpies suffered defeat at Burnley on Monday night, as Jeff Hendrick’s goal snatched a late 1-0 victory for Burnley, handing them just a second home win of the season.
It was a major blow for Newcastle to lose on the road again after defeats at Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town earlier this season, but manager Benitez had to go into the game without a key player.
Midfielder Mikel Merino has made a huge impression at St. James’ Park since joining from Borussia Dortmund on loan over the summer, with the Magpies quickly making his move permanent.
The Spaniard is already a fan favourite on Tyneside, and after scoring the winning goal against Crystal Palace last weekend, many were excited to see him in action against Burnley.
However, when the Newcastle team was announced, fans realised that Merino wasn’t in the squad at all, with Mohamed Diame coming into midfield alongside Jonjo Shelvey, and Isaac Hayden on the bench.
It was quickly revealed that Merino was missing through a back injury, and given his importance to Newcastle so far this season, fans are concerned about his situation.
Now, Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that Newcastle will have to wait and see on Merino’s injury, with the midfielder visiting a specialist this week to determine just how long the midfielder will be out of action for.
“We have to wait to see,” said Benitez. “He’ll see a specialist and we’ll see how he feels. We’ll see what the specialist says after a couple of days to see we have the right decision,” he added.
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