OPINION
Newcastle United player Christian Atsu has been watching on from the bench after Miguel Almiron was signed in January.
However, he may have the chance to stake a first team spot after the Shields Gazette revealed that the Paraguay international could be ruled out of the Arsenal clash on Monday with a knock. The report also says that Atsu has a minor problem, but that Rafa Benitez thinks he will be fine.
If Almiron is ruled out and Atsu is not, then this is the perfect chance for the 27-year-old to shine. He is not going to get many more opportunities to do so, so he must grip it firmly with two hands if this is indeed the case.
Against Bournemouth before the international break, Atsu made an appearance in the 72nd minute, and even though he was not on the pitch for that long, he still made a very positive influence on the game – he had the Cherries on the back foot at a time when they were really threatening.
He also proved on international duty that he still has the same quality that he has always had. His recent display for Ghana was excellent, and it would have surely left many Newcastle fans excited about what he would do next.
Atsu must be started against Arsenal if he overcomes his minor knock. He has the opportunity to maintain his good form, so hopefully Benitez recognises how he has improved lately. The manager would no doubt prefer Almiron, of course – but if he is not available, he has an able replacement in Atsu.
The winger could have the chance to make Almiron sweat on Monday, and this is a prospect that he is no doubt encouraged by. If he is fit and his teammate is not, then Benitez must start him.
