Magpies’ players decide to cancel Christmas party again
“Mo Diame is doing a good job, Hayden is working very hard and Sean Longstaff was on the bench the other day and I was happy with his performance playing in the under-23s the other day against Norwich.
“They are all trying to be ready just in case we need anyone.”
Benitez also has Florian Lejeune available again after a long lay-off with a knee injury.
The former Eibar defender completed 45 minutes for the second string in Monday night’s win over Norwich City in Premier League Two - but he will not be making the trip to Huddersfield.
Benitez explained why and said: “Not this weekend.
“He is getting closer but he knows it is a good thing that after four months out he has had 45 minutes already.
“It is great news. We still have to have caution and manage him closely so he is strong enough to cope with any eventuality.”
After completing his comeback this week, Lejeune, via social media, had said: “It feels great to be back in action.
“Thanks to the under-23s for having me.”
The French centre-back had expected to be absent for the full season at one stage after going down injured in pre-season back in July. NEWCASTLE’S players have cancelled their planned Christmas party for the second year in a row n – a move which has been backed by manager Rafa Benitez following his team’s recent dip in form.
The Magpies have picked up just one point from their last three matches and face crucial back-toback fixtures against relegation rivals Huddersfield Town and Fulham over the course of the next two weekends during a festive period which could define United’s season as a whole.
After three straight victories handed Newcastle a perfect record in November – leading to Benitez picking up the Premier League Manager of the Month award, something which he has dedicated to the players and his staff – captain Jamaal Lascelles had initially planned for the team to head to London after today’s match at the John Smith’s Stadium.
However, with Newcastle having slipped to within three points of the relegation zone, the leadership group within the dressing room has decided to abandon plans for a Christmas party.
Benitez said: “This group of players, last year they cancelled the party because they knew and they realised it was not the right thing to do.
“This year, it has been exactly the same.
“When I was talking to Jamaal, I said: ‘If something is wrong you have to realise.’ I think he was quite sensible.
“I think the fans will appreciate they are just focused on that.”
To lose players is always bad news but we have to cope ... you have to have others available