Some more slightly concerning injury news following the Mikel Merino blow, with Benitez confirming that Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu will both be assessed in the coming days after coming off with injuries in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
The skipper Jamaal Lascelles was forced off with an ankle problem in the second half, having soldiered on after going down with the injury in the first half.
Christian Atsu also left the field after “feeling something” says Benitez, with the winger looking to be holding the top of his thigh/groin as he left the field on Saturday.
Here’s what Rafa had to say about the pair:
“Jamaal, will have his ankle assessed.
“With Atsu, he felt something, but it’s too early to tell.”
Seeing either sidelined would be a real blow, especially Lascelles – our leader and presence at the back.
Atsu has been hit and miss so far this season, however he is our main out ball on the counter and has shown signs of development this season. He’s meant to be playing for by Ghana in a World Cup qualifier against Egypt at the weekend, however he may be forced to withdraw if results show he has picked up an injury.
