Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez was forced to sit out of our 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Sunday after failing to recover from a hernia operation in time, however a positive development has been reported by The Chronicle, who confirm the Spaniard returned to the North-East on Monday and will be back to take training on Tuesday morning.
He is believed to have taken the train from Merseyside to Tyneside yesterday morning, having been given the all-clear from his doctor and the go ahead from his family to return for NUFC duties.
Benitez was said to have been ‘adamant’ that he would be present in the dugout at Swansea, with Mike Ashley’s helicopter said to have been ready to fly him to Swansea, however the gaffer woke up unwell and was advised to listen to medical advice.
As we all know, we went on to win the game in his absence, but there’s little doubt his return will give the players and staff a boost as we prepare to take on Stoke at St. James’ on Saturday – hoping for our third win on the bounce.
Good to have you back Rafa!
