Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is concerned about midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng due to his lack of mobility, according to Newcastle Chronicle reporter Chris Waugh.
The reliable journalist claimed on the Chronicle website [01:54pm] that Benitez will not consider bringing the summer signing back into the side unless he can improve his mobility.
It is understood that the Magpies have been attempting to help the 29-year-old improve his physical state, but the midfielder himself has admitted that he has been in shape all season.
OPINION
Things just do not seem to be working out for Ki at Newcastle ever since his signing, with Benitez preferring the likes of Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey in his midfield. While this duo are fit, it will be hard to see the South Korea international get a game, which is rather worrying. However, as Waugh stated, there have been whispers about Ki’s mobility this season. This may provide the underlying reason as to why Benitez has omitted him on a regular basis, as Ki was incredibly poor when he started a few matches the start of the season. There is no doubting that he is an experienced player, but it looks like he just hasn’t taken to life at Newcastle after being left out of the last four Premier League fixtures. If Ki wants his future with the Magpies assured, he must prove to them that he is mobile enough – but until then, he will face time on the sidelines.
