Newcastle United have struggled for form in recent weeks, securing just one point of the last 18 available and slipping to fifteenth spot in the Premier League standings as a result.
The Magpies sit just five points clear of the relegation zone and now face two crucial home games in the next week, hosting both Leicester City and Everton at St. James’ Park- two sides who have also struggled for consistency this term.
Rafael Benitez’s side have been hampered by significant injury absences in recent weeks but things look to be improving, with Mikel Merino having already returned and captain Jamaal Lascelles revealing he’s hopeful of featuring this weekend.
Quoted by The Shields Gazette, the central defender stated he’s returned to training this week and aims to be available for this weekend’s game against Leicester City.
“I trained for the first time this week. I’ll see how I get on.”
Lascelles went on to discuss the difficulties he’s faced watching on from the sidelines, adding:
“It’s hard to watch, especially when the team is not doing great. I feel responsible. I’m trying hard to get back as soon as possible, and fingers crossed it can be Saturday.”
