Newcastle United are on the verge of securing their Premier League status for another season, after last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town pushed the Magpies further away from the relegation zone.
Work is not fully complete though, with Rafael Benitez’s side not mathematically safe, although it’s expected that just one more win will be enough to push the Tyneside outfit over the line.
Newcastle will hope to clinch that victory in this weekend’s clash against Leicester City, another side who have struggled to find consistency this season, but there are fears that influential midfielder Mohamed Diame could miss the game through injury.
The Senegalese international’s revival of form has helped guide Newcastle to their current position and Benitez has stated he’s hopeful the African ace will be available this weekend, although he trusts Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino to step-in if necessary.
Speaking to The Shields Gazette, Benitez was asked if Diame will be fit for the weekend and responded:
“I hope so. He’s been really important for us, but I will say again, Hayden [Issac] and [Mikel] Merino can manage also his position really well. Hopefully, it will be nothing, and it will be a problem for me, but a good problem.”
Merino and Hayden will be itching to grab their chance this weekend if they get an opportunity, after struggling for football following the fine performances from Diame and Jonjo Shelvey this year.
