Mikel Merino has called for Newcastle to focus on the ‘goal’ of Premier League survival as he prepares to return to the side to the trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
Newcastle go into the game at Anfield just two points above the relegation zone after dropping down to 15th in the table following the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, and could end the weekend in the bottom three if results go against them.
Rafa Benitez is expected to be without Jonjo Shelvey after he suffered a knee injury in a collision with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka las week and could hand a recall to Merino after the 21-year-old’s recovery from a troublesome back problem.
The Spain under-21 international is on stand-by to return to the starting XI and has warned his United team-mates to concentrate what they need to do to stay up this season.
“This league is like this,” said Merino to the Shields Gazzette. “There are a lot of teams in the bottom. You win two games and you are up, you lose two games and you are down.
“We know it. We have to be focused on our goal. We have to play each match like it’s the last and give 100%.
“We know that’s the way to win matches. You can give 100% and lose the match. That’s football.
“It’s not a maths exam. You cannot predict what’s going to happen. If you give your 100%, I’m sure, at the end of the season, we will be in a good position.”
