Newcastle United are set to return to action after the international break with a match against Wigan Athletic.
Rafael Benitez has suggested in the Shields Gazette that Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey will be fit to play in Newcastle United’s next match against Wigan Athletic after the international break.
Shelvey was only fit to play 12 minutes in Newcastle’s last match, which they drew 0-0 with Birmingham City, while Hayden missed out completely.
Shelvey’s problem has only been a minor one, but Hayden’s absence has been a more lengthy one.
The former Arsenal midfielder has missed Newcastle’s last seven matches with injury, after undergoing ankle surgery.
Hayden is expected to return to Newcastle training soon though, which should leave him in contention to play in two weekends’ time.
“Hopefully Hayden will be back in a few days and then we should also have Jonjo back to full strength,” Benitez said.
“With Jack as well, that means quite a lot of competition – but it’s good to have options, especially if you have to change something during a game.”
Hayden and Shelvey return to Newcastle at a good time, as Benitez’s side look to secure their promotion.
The Magpies currently lead the way in the Championship, and only a collapse would see them miss out on a top two spot.
Newcastle currently sit seven points ahead of third placed Huddersfield Town, with only eight games remaining this season.
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