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Lascelles out v Bournemouth, Rafa hints at Fernandez recall

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Image for Lascelles out v Bournemouth, Rafa hints at Fernandez recall

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that captain Jamaal Lascelles won’t feature against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The 25-year-old was substituted with an knee injury against Everton last time out and Benitez has now confirmed at his pre match press conference, as per journalist Lee Ryder’s personal Twitter account, that he is unwilling to take a risk on his skipper.

However, he did drop a hint about who might replace the former Nottingham Forest man against the Cherries: “He has more chances,” he said of centre back Federico Fernandez on Friday.

“He was the best defender at the start of the season. Hopefully, he can be ready and like he was at the beginning of the season,” the Spaniard finished.

OPINION

On the face of it this is a major blow to Newcastle, but it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. When the season is looked at in its entirety there is no doubt that Fernandez has been better than Lascelles. He might not have the same outstanding leadership qualities as the Englishman, but he is arguably a better defender technically than the Newcastle captain. So while Benitez will be disappointed to have to change a winning team, the return to the line up of Fernandez could be just what this Magpies team needs for what will be a tricky test at the Vitality Stadium. Having said that, it’s encouraging that Benitez considered this Saturday’s game a risk for Lascelles. That suggests that his knee injury isn’t a serious one. If he was even in contention for the Bournemouth clash then he’s unlikely to be out for long and should be fully fit again after the international break.

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