OPINION
Newcastle United right back Javier Manquillo isn’t the most popular player with the Magpies faithful, but the polarising Spaniard may get another chance to impress against Arsenal on Monday night.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez told the Shields Gazette earlier this week that regular right wing back DeAndre Yedlin has a knock and will be checked upon to see if he is fit enough to face the Gunners.
If the United States of America international doesn’t make it to the Emirates Stadium then Manquillo will almost certainly be the man called upon to fill in on the right hand side.
The former Atletico Madrid man must be ready to pounce on his opportunity against Unai Emery’s side. It’s been a disjointed, largely frustrating campaign for Manquillo, but he could force his way back into the reckoning on Monday.
He has started a few Premier League games this term and, by and large, he hasn’t done too badly. However, he seems to be stuck behind Yedlin no matter what he does.
The American is more consistent, to be fair, but Manquillo will be keen to take any chance he gets to reverse their places in Benitez’s pecking order.
Life as a back up player in the Premier League probably isn’t the most enjoyable at times, and so Manquillo needs to perform to his best whenever he gets in the team in order to improve his status at St James’ Park.
We will see. Yedlin may well be passed fit to face Arsenal, but if he’s not then it leaves Manquillo with a huge opportunity. If it comes he has to make the most of it.
