Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has denied that striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is deemed surplus to requirements at the Magpies.
The Serbian international did not make the squad for the club’s 1-0 defeat against Burnley on Monday night, and has not started a Premier League this season. When asked by Sky Sports (via the Chronicle) about whether the 23 year old still has a future at St James’ Park, Rafa confirmed the forward is still in contention for a starting place:
“You know the competition for the strikers has to be until the end. He now have Gayle, Joselu, Ayoze, an offensive player, and Mitrovic is fine. He played minutes in the last game and is another option.”
Mitro has moved further down the pecking order since the arrival of Joselu from Stoke City in the summer. The Spaniard has started eight of Newcastle’s ten league games this season, while Dwight Gayle has been selected on the bench ahead of the Serbian on a number of occasions.
Benitez is believed to be seeking a striker in the January transfer window, which could mean that Mitrovic’s opportunities to play could be further limited. A new forward arriving could prompt the Serbian’s departure, but much will depend on what funds the club will have available for transfers, with a takeover likely still to be in progress.
