OPINION
It is always the worst case scenario after one of your integral players is sidelined with injury, especially after just one match in to the new season – and it was a sense of deja vu for Newcastle United this season.
After having seen both Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett limp off against Tottenham 12 months ago, Rafa Benitez would have been worried after defender DeAndre Yedlin sustained a knee problem against the same side in their 2-1 defeat last Saturday.
Not having recruited a full-back in the summer’s transfer window, Benitez was left exposed to the elements as he pondered over who would fill Yedlin’s place in his absence.
His worries have somewhat lessened since their season opener, with reliable journalist Lee Ryder citing Benitez as saying “next week we will be fine” in regards to whether Yedlin will return to the first team.
Rafa Benitez on Yedlin's chances of playing vs Cardiff: “It’s too soon.
“He has trained but we had a conversation and he will stay here because he needs time to get back to his level.
“Next week we will be fine.” #nufc— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 17, 2018
The first-team figure is ruled out of this weekend’s clash with Cardiff, but United have been handed a major boost now that Yedlin could return next week.
Benitez would have had to turn his attention further down the pecking order for the right-back position to be filled in the meantime, which he would have not found ideal in the long-term.
Yedlin will prove to be pivotal to Newcastle’s success this season, and he will undoubtedly be a key figure in attempting to help them stay up for a second successive campaign.
Now the Spanish coach does not have a huge headache in terms of selection next week, and he can focus solely on the job they have in front of them.
Losing Yedlin for one week is not a major loss to the team – especially against new boys Cardiff City, who are tipped to survive just one season.
United will be favourites to subject the Welsh side to their second defeat upon their return to the top flight, but with Yedlin due to come back in to the first team fold soon, they will be further strengthened.
Benitez will be jumping for joy that the United States international is due to return, in what is a major boost for both him and the team.
