OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez will be searching for his side’s first win in three games when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
A 3-0 loss to West Ham and a 1-1 draw with Everton have left the Magpies with just one point in two games so this upcoming fixture is obviously very important – as well the clashes after that.
The Sun previously reported that centre-back Florian Lejeune is set to return to first-team action in mid-December, and while that news would delight the majority of Newcastle fans, it makes selection a lot harder – or does it?
In all fairness, summer signings Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar have done a stellar job in the heart of the defence, and it would be a shame to see either of them drop to the bench after some impressive displays.
This is why Benitez must disappoint the fan favourite and resist the urge to recall him upon his return, as the side have progressed a lot in his absence.
Fernandez has established himself as a favourite amongst the Newcastle faithful with his latest display the most recent in a string of mouthwatering outings, while Schar has also blown away the crowds of St James’ Park.
Benitez no doubt faces the wrath of the supporters if he drops either of these two players, as well as Jamaal Lascelles.
Lascelles has been plagued with injury recently but recently made a return, and Benitez would not be in the fans’ good books if he decided to drop the mainstay.
Lejeune has no doubt been sweating about his first team chances following Fernandez and Schar’s breakthroughs especially.
There is no denying the talent of the £38,000-a-week [Spotrac] enforcer – he was pivotal to the club’s success last season – but at the moment, the defenders Benitez have been using have been a revelation for the team.
