Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has struggled for starts so far this season.
Mitrovic has suffered a frustrating season so far, with Benitez clearly having a reluctance over picking the Serbian.
Although Dwight Gayle and Joselu have both struggled for goals, Mitrovic has barely been given a look in.
The 23-year-old has been given just seven appearances across all competitions, and has been ruled out with injury over recent weeks.
Mitrovic is now being heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, but Benitez insists that if the target-man does stay on Tyneside then he could yet break back into his side’s first-team.
The Spanish boss said: “If he stays here, he can play. If he doesn’t stay, he will not play. But, at the moment, he’s our player.”
Mitrovic could find his task harder to break back into Newcastle’s team after this month, if Benitez does get his way in the transfer market.
The Magpies are desperate to bring in a new striker, as they look to increase their fire power for the remainder of the campaign.
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