Benitez again insists all is well within the Magpies’ dressing room

RAFA Benitez says there are no “big issues” in his squad after the Magpies spluttered to another August defeat, writes LEE RYDER.

The build-up to the League Cup tie at Nottngham Forest last night game resulted in talk there was bad blood between some of Benitez’s senior players - but again the Toon boss played down suggestions of unrest.

Speaking directly after the 3-1 loss to Forest, he said: “There are no big issues.

“In the game you want players competing and who care. There are things which can happen in the dressing room that can happen but the atmosphere is good.”

Both Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie were left out of the squad but only because of injuries.

Neither player will be guaranteed to return at Manchester City.

Benitez added: “Jamaal was training outside, I don’t know if Ritchie was outside, Manquillo was outside. We have certain players who are injured. That happens. For Saturday there are doubts on Ritchie, Jamaal and Manquillo.”

Jonjo Shelvey will definitely be missing for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Benitez said: “There is no chance for Jonjo. Each one is different.”

The Spaniard was unhappy to crash out of the competition for the second year running at the same stage to Forest.

He reflected: “We are disappointed we lost the game and even more with the way we lost.

“We conceded an early goal, they were not creating clear chances but did not have clear chances either.

“We could see what happened at the end, the way you lose you have to be disappointed, it is not the first time this year this has happened.

“The positive thing is you could see the reaction from the team but we have to manage the situation better.”