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Rafa refuses to blame key absence for Newcastle’s drop in form

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Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark is in line to start against Preston North End on Monday after manager Rafa Benitez confirmed the Irish international has taken a full part in two training sessions.

The 27 year old has been out of action since mid March with a knee injury. His absence has coincided with the club’s drop inĀ form over the past month, but speaking at his pre-match press conference today, Benitez said Clark’s absence from the side wouldn’t explain the mistakes that have been made in defence over the past few games. He is quoted by the Chronicle as saying:

“The other players tried and did well. As a team we have made mistakes, not just defenders. I am quite pleased with the attitude of the players.”

The news of Clark’s return will give Newcastle fans extra confidence heading into the game against Preston after a series of poor defensive displays have cost the Magpies points in the last few games.

Two goals were conceded against Sheffield Wednesday, another goal was given away in injury time against Leeds last week, while a series of mistakes led to three goals being conceded at Portman Road against Ipswich on Monday.

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