Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has issued an injury update on Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Kenedy ahead of the clash against Cardiff City this weekend.
Lascelles and Clark both came off injured in the 4-2 FA Cup third round replay win over Blackburn on Tuesday night, and while the manager does not think Clark’s setback is very serious, he says it is “too early” to know whether Lascelles will be fit for the Cardiff game.
He adds that midfielder Kenedy – who missed the recent match due to a problem with his nail – could be back in one or two days, just in time for this weekend’s fixture.
“I don’t think it is very serious [Clark]. It was a kick to his knee, an inflammation, but we will see in a couple of days,” Benitez said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Jamaal, we have to wait and it is too early. It is a hamstring and you never know.”
He added: “[Kenedy] had a problem with his nail and the reality is he cannot put the boots on – as soon as he puts the boots on, he is feeling pain. He is getting better and I think in one or two days he will be OK.”
OPINION
The Newcastle players seemed to be going down like flies in Tuesday’s match, and fans would have no doubt been rather worried with the amount of players that were going down. However, the fact that Benitez is hopeful that they can be fit for this weekend will certainly provide some reassurances. Kenedy is also likely to return to action after being sidelines, although this is one player that the supporters would not have missed to much based on his recent poor performances for the team. Nevertheless, Kenedy returning will give the manager more options in the midfield, an area of the pitch were Newcastle have been lacking due to the absences of a few players. He will need to step up in their absence if he is well enough to feature, otherwise he will be gone when they eventually do return. Lascelles and Clark will no doubt be missed if they cannot make the Cardiff game, but at least Benitez can rest easy knowing he has the likes of Federico Fernandez who can provide cover.
