Newcastle United face a stern test to get back on form following this week’s international break, with the Magpies having won just one of their last five Premier League matches.
Back-to-back defeats against Burnley and Bournemouth have seen Rafael Benitez’s side slip down the league standings, clearly missing the impact of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino in the heart of their midfield.
Merino was a surprise absentee from the side that lost to Burnley, with Benitez confirming ahead of kick-off that the summer signing from Borussia Dortmund was absent through injury, and he was also forced to miss the defeat to Bournemouth.
Fans are desperate for the 21-year-old ace to return as soon as possible but they may be in for a long wait, as Sports Witness cites claims from Spain that indicate Merino could miss eight weeks.
Stating that Merino is having problems with vertebrae in his back, the report claims Merino will be sidelined for ‘six to eight weeks’ and will therefore miss crucial clashes with Manchester United, Watford, West Brom and Chelsea.
The news comes from Spain as injury has forced Merino to withdraw from the Spanish U21 squad and reasons have to be shared with the national side as to why- and these are often then released to the media.
