Quantcast
Blogs

Magpies midfielder in contention for shock return against Bournemouth

|
Image for Magpies midfielder in contention for shock return against Bournemouth

Newcastle United midfielder Henri Saivet could be set for a shock return to Rafael Benitez’s starting line-up this weekend amidst doubt over Mikel Merino’s fitness, reports the Chronicle.

The Magpies welcome Bournemouth to St James’ Park on Saturday, however could be without star man Merino who is doubtful with a back injury, as well as Issac Hayden who is ‘not 100%’ going into this weekend’s clash.

With Benitez short of options in the middle of the park, he now could be forced to recall Saivet, who was on the bench for his side’s recent 1-0 defeat to Burnley.

Saivet has had a difficult time on Tyneside since his £5 million move from Bordeaux in January 2016.

After a disappointing first six months, the Senegal midfielder subsequently spent last season on-loan back in France with St Etienne, but too failed to impress and came under heavy criticism from manager Christophe Galtier for an apparent ‘lack of hunger’.

Saivet has made just one first team appearance this season during the 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Share this article