Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has issued a double injury update on Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie ahead of their next clash with Arsenal.
Speaking to BBC Newcastle – as transcribed by their commentator Matthew Raisbeck on Twitter – the Spaniard outlined that Shelvey had been training with the team, while Ritchie was still with the physios.
Rafa Benitez, speaking to @bbcnewcastle today: “We have had Jonjo training, and Ritchie still with the physio, but they are pushing. These two are the kind of players that you have to stop them because they want to play and they are working really, really hard to be there.” #NUFC
— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) September 11, 2018
Rafa: “Still, we have some time, but at least Jonjo was training. If we don’t have any problems, he can be there. It’s too soon to say ‘yes’ but I am quite optimistic.” #NUFC @bbcnewcastle
— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) September 11, 2018
He had a positive outlook in regards to Shelvey in particular, saying how he was “quite optimistic” that he could star against the Gunners in the fifth round of Premier League matches this weekend.
Both players missed out on the Magpies’ previous clash with Manchester City, with Shelvey suffering from a thigh problem and Ritchie with a knee problem.
OPINION
The fact that both Shelvey and Ritchie are closer to returning from injury will undoubtedly be a huge boost for both Benitez and his team. The fact that he is optimistic about Shelvey returning to star against Arsenal is the news that fans will have undoubtedly been wanting to hear for a while, and they may get their wish if he is fit enough to face the Gunners. He is one of Newcastle’s best players, and his presence in the midfield has been greatly missed in terms of his creativity and ability to keep possession. Ki Sung-Yueng has been taking his place in the role, and it is safe to say that he has not filled the boots of his teammate very well in recent matches. As for Ritchie, his presence has also been missed in midfield – although it make take a bit longer for fans to see him in the club strip based on this update.
