Dwight Gayle missed today’s win over Hellas Verona today with a slight knock, though Lee Ryder has provided a positive update on his fitness while reporting comments from Rafa Benitez.
Indeed, last season’s top scorer was left out of the squad during the 2-0 win upon the Magpies’ return to St. James’ Park after 91 days, leaving just Aleksandar Mitrovic up front. The 27-year-old’s absence highlighted just how light the Toon Army are in that department, with only Emmanuel Rivière remaining as the other central striking option.
However, Ryder has revealed that Rafa believes the former Crystal Palace should be available for the Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur a week today.
Dwight Gayle should be available next week says Rafa in Press conference #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 6, 2017
Still, Newcastle’s chase for Stoke City marksman Joselu would indicate that even a fit and firing Gayle isn’t enough in Benitez’s mind to head into the new campaign with.
Ever since his injury against Brentford back in January, Gayle has been susceptible to injuries – particularly around the hamstring – and a forward would seriously help the black and white cause ahead of life back in the top tier.
Thoughts?
