Should Gayle be risked in a low-risk fixture?
Two goals for Gayle ended a drought that stretched back to the home defeat to Leicester in early December and took his tally to five for the season, making him the top scorer for Newcastle in the Premier League.
Therefore, it was worrying for both Benitez and the Magpies supporters to see Gayle limp off in the 78th minute after complaining of tightness in his hamstring. For a player who has a chequered history of injuries in that particular area of his anatomy, there will be a large degree of concern regarding the severity of the problem.
Benitez is already without new loan signing Islam Slimani for the next few weeks and to lose Gayle for an extended period would leave Joselu as the only fit senior striker on the books at St James’ Park. Which is why Benitez may be thinking it would be wise to rest Gayle for the trip to Liverpool, a low-risk fixture, and ensure he is fit and firing for the home game against relegation rivals Southampton a week later.
