Rafa Benitez’s selection choice ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Birmingham City got a tad earlier for the Spaniard following the news Ayoze Perez would miss the game.
Many expected the forward to truly kick on this season, though his performances thus far have been frustrating to say the very least.
In fact, other than perhaps the Brighton game, the former Tenerife playmaker has largely been awful since he was handed a new deal back in February.
So, as much as you’d want a full squad for every game, his absence may well turn out to be a positive thing for the Toon Army.
For it allows Benitez to be more creative when selecting his team for the game and a number of players could perhaps stake a claim ahead of the struggling Spaniard.
With that in mind, here are TWO positives we can take from Perez missing out with the clash tomorrow.
