Newcastle United have been handed a major boost ahead of the arduous winter period in the Championship campaign, as reported by the Chronicle.
With the African Cup of Nations just around the corner, the Magpies received a welcome boost as Morocco opted not to include Toon ace Achraf Lazaar in their squad.
Though the summer signing has found it difficult to oust Paul Dummett as Rafa Benitez’s starting left-back since his arrival from Palermo, there’s little doubt his presence will be a huge boost.
The likes of Christian Atsu, Mo Diame and Chancel Mbemba will depart for up to a month to contest for their respective countries during the tournament in Gabon.
Lazaar will provide adequate cover for the aforementioned Dummett, with doubts surrounding the fitness of Massadio Haidara.
Having struggled for game time in black and white, he will be unable to add to his 17 caps for the Atlas Lions in the coming weeks.
