Double boost for Benitez with duo nearing return to fitness

RAFA Benitez has been handed a welcome fitness boost ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with Watford on Saturday.

The Magpies manager has revealed that both Mikel Merino and Paul Dummett have made good progress this week and could be available for Saturday’s visit of the Hornets.

Spaniard Merino suffered a back injury at the start of the month and reports in Spain suggested he could have been out for up to 10 weeks.

However, he has stepped up his rehabilitation in the last week and could be fit for Saturday’s crucial game.

It is welcome news for Benitez after Isaac Hayden picked up his fifth booking of the season at Old Trafford and will miss the Watford game as a result.

Dummett has also stepped up his recovery after injuring his hamstring in the first game of the season against Tottenham, and Benitez revealed the importance of welcoming both players back.

“I think it’s important to have players coming back,” he told nufc.co.uk. “With Merino, he was doing so well and the fans were so excited. If he is OK it will be a big boost for everyone, because you always need quality. “Dummett is important for us, he is one of the only left-footed full-backs we have. He is someone who has some experience too, and will give us more competition and different options.” Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu also missed Saturday’s defeat by Manchester United. And while Benitez insists the pair are making good progress, he admits they are a little way off making a return to the matchday squad. “Lascelles is getting better, but still he will need some time, and Atsu is the same. It is too early to say (when they will be back),” the United boss added. “But Merino has been doing part of the training session and Dummett has done the full training session, so that is positive news for us.” The Magpies have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and will be desperate to avoid a fourth defeat in a row, when they take on Marco Silva’s side at St James’ Park.