Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has explained the reasons behind why three of his new summer signings were not involved against Derby County in the 2-0 win at the weekend.
Full back Achraf Lazaar was an unused substitute against the Rams while striker Daryl Murphy and winger Christian Atsu were not even included in the squad for the match. Benitez told the Evening Chronicle that the main reason behind the decision not to play them was due to fitness considerations:
“We will see if we have any problems in our training sessions. Then after, depending on how the players feel, we will start analysing the options and then we will decide.”
“Then, maybe some of them can play, maybe some of them will say: ‘No chance.’ But at the moment I cannot say to you who will play.”
Fellow new signing DeAndre Yedlin did however make an appearance as as second half substitute and made an instant impact by bundling in the second goal to secure victory for the Magpies.
Newcastle’s next game is against Queens Park Rangers tomorrow and it could be the case that we see appearances by at least two of the three players with Benitez stating he is happy with Atsu’s fitness, while Murphy has already played in the Championship for Ipswich this season.
