Rafa Benitez has confirmed that both Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett will miss tomorrow’s trip to Chelsea – however star centre-back Federico Fernandez is available once again.
Jonjo Shelvey featured in the second half of our FA Cup draw with Blackburn last weekend, but it’s since been reported that both he and Paul Dummett flew out to Barcelona to a specialist about reoccurring thigh and hamstring injuries respectively.
Both have clearly suffered flare ups and won’t be risked at Stamford bridge tomorrow.
Here’s what Rafa’s had to say on the injury front, also confirming that Clark is back – with Lejeune fit, Darlow out and Kenedy ineligible:
“Jonjo Shelvey & Paul Dummett are not available, which is a negative.
“We were working with another specialist – our doctor has the contact. It was just be sure we were doing things as quickly as possible but, still, we have to wait. They will not be available for this game.”
“Clark & Fernandez are available, which is a positive.
“Lejeune is fine too, but we have to assess a few other players too. Darlow is not available either. Kenedy is ineligible, too”
Mo Diame wasn’t pictured in training yesterday – someone who limped off with a hip problem in our last league game against Man Utd – but it sounds like he *might* be fit given Rafa made no reference to his availability here.
Let’s just hope Shelvey and Dummett aren’t out for long – with us severely short on central midfield and left-back options.
