As reported by The Chronicle, Rafa Benitez knows that some of his players will be unhappy this weekend.
Newcastle travel to Leeds to take on Garry Monk’s side, who themselves have aspirations for promotion and currently find themselves in the play-off zone.
With 26 available players, Benitez knows that there will be some high profile players left out of this game altogether.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Benitez said: “It’s like that, you know when you have a big squad you will have injuries at some point.
“But the medical staff and technical staff are doing a great job.
“For the players it’s always good to be fit.
“If you have so many players it becomes a competition and they have to compete every week – and for me I prefer that.
“Some of them will not be happy. I prefer that too, we are professional and we have to accept we have games to play.
“Sometimes you won’t play. We have to be sure we are ready just in case.”
Competition for places is not something that has been a theme at the club for some time and fans, like Benitez, should welcome competition and rotation with open arms.
