Rafa can’t Cherry-pick his players

NEWCASTLE United boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that he could have to take on AFC Bournemouth without three of his first-team stars.

Despite hope in the early part of the week that Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto could be involved, the Magpies look unlikely to risk any of them against the Cherries.

Jamaal Lascelles has trained but Muto and Shelvey have had additional treatment behind the scenes.

When asked about their chances of figuring this weekend, Benitez said: “Muto and Shelvey have not trained.

“Jamaal has had a training session but it will be difficult for him. All three could be out.”

Benitez could turn to Ki Sungyueng, Fabian Schar and Ayoze Perez, who all played a key part in last week’s win over Watford, to start the game at St James’ Park.

The Spaniard said: “I told them to keep pushing and put me in a position.

“They need to keep pushing. I have congratulated them.”

Newcastle are looking for backto-back wins for the first time since last season.

Benitez said: “After an important win everybody is happier and hopefully we can continue that after the next game.

“We have won one and we will see what happens.

“We we not winning and we needed three points even if it wasn’t an amazing game.

“This one will be totally different. It is not just one step forward we need to carry on.”