OPINION
Yoshinori Muto has only featured 14 times this season for Rafa Benitez’s side, however the recent injury blow to Miguel Almiron will surely be his best chance for game time.
The Japanese forward, who signed from Mainz 05 at the start of the season, hasn’t really had the impact that Newcastle fans hopes he would have upon arrival.
After the fresh injury doubts surrounding record signing Miguel Almiron last week, Benitez will be looking to replace him in the last few games as the Premier League season comes to a close.
Muto has so far only scored one goal for the club in all competitions, and Benitez would have been expecting the forward to produce more goals this season.
Realistically, this is the best possible situation for the Japan international to register some game time in the Premier League ahead of the season closing, and failure to do so would surely be a warning sign for the striker.
Although attacking options are not exactly too scarce for Benitez going into Saturdays clash with Brighton, Muto will definitely be in contention for a place in the starting eleven, which has been hard to come by so far this season.
Whether the Japanese forward will be chosen ahead of the likes of Christian Atsu is another question, however with the season coming to a close and there not being too much to play for, you’d think that Benitez may give Muto the chance he is looking for.
Should Muto not be included in the squad travelling down south to Brighton, it could be time for him to have a real think about his future at St. James’ Park.
As if Benitez snubs using him after Almiron’s set-back, then the 26-year-old attacker will have no choice but to fear for his future.
