Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino has given fans and manager Rafael Benitez a much needed boost, saying he ‘feels better every day’ as he approaches his return from injury.
The Spaniard, who joined the Magpies from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund during the summer in a £6 million deal, has been out sidelined for a number of weeks after suffering a back injury during the clash with Crystal Palace.
Merino has been a much missed figure in the Newcastle midfield, with Benitez’s side suffering three defeats on the bounce without him, however with the 21-year-old nearing his return, his words of optimism will come as sweet music to the fans and manager.
He told NUFCTV: “It’s always hard not being able to play football, getting injured and having to watch the team while not being able to help.
“But I’ve been trying to stay positive and put 100% into my recovery and I know that now it is not long before I will be back.
“I’m now doing double sessions with the fitness coach to strengthen that and also my core. We’re also working to improve my general fitness.
“I don’t feel the pain now as much as I did at the beginning.”
