Rafael Benitez provides fitness update on Newcastle United’s Florian Lejeune

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Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune has been out for weeks with injury.

Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle that Jamie Sterry and Florian Lejeune are both close to making it back into Newcastle United’s first-team.

Sterry and Lejeune have both suffered injuries lately, which has meant that Newcastle have been down to the bare bones defensively.

But Benitez is expecting the pair to return to action sooner rather than later.

“Jamie Sterry is getting better, he’s had a groin problem,” Benitez said. “Lejeune is getting closer.”

Lejeune’s return, in particular, will be excellent news for Newcastle, as he gives Benitez real competition for places at centre-back.

Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez have both been in excellent form of late, but Lejeune has also proven to be a valuable asset to the Magpies.

Sterry, meanwhile, would be able to help add cover for Benitez over the second half of the campaign.

Even without Sterry and Lejeune Newcastle have improved in recent times.

The Magpies have won their last two games in a row to move up to 14th in the Premier League table.