Risk it with Ritchie?
Arguably the most improved player for Newcastle in 2018, Ritchie has scored in successive home wins and has rediscovered the early season form that yielded three assists and cemented his place on the right-wing.
His impressive displays resulted in a call-up to the Scotland squad, playing 86 minutes in the defeat to Costa Rica last Friday before having to withdraw due to a groin injury on Monday meaning he was a doubt for the Huddersfield clash this weekend.
And although the 28-year-old returned to training this week and insists he is “better”, Benitez may not want to risk Ritchie aggravating an injury that could result in him losing a key player at such a crucial stage of the season.
With Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu waiting in reserve, Benitez has the options and depth available to afford Ritchie a rest and time to fully recuperate before the trip to Leicester on 7 April.
