Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Paul Dummett will miss Monday’s trip to Burnley after suffering a hamstring injury last week – while Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto are all serious doubts after failing to train fully all week.
Dummett limped off during Wales’ UEFA Nations League game last week and although Rafa has not stated how long the defender will be out for, it will be a blow to see him miss the trip to Turf Moor – with us having very few capable options at left-back.
Here’s what Rafa’s had to say on the injury front over the last few moments, confirming Dummett will be unavailable:
“Dummett is not available.
“He is not fit; he will miss this game, and we will assess him during the next week and see how long it will take.
It’s the hamstring that he had a little problem in before.”
‘He has been treated. No date (for a return).’
Regarding Lascelles, Shelvey and Muto, Rafa confirmed that all three are yet to complete a full training session this week – with the trio all rated as doubtful for next week’s game as a result.
Here’s what Rafa said on those three:
“We have Shelvey, Muto and Lascelles that have been on the pitch but haven’t completed a full training session.
“I don’t think they’ll be available to start the game at Burnley but some of them may be available to be on the bench.”
Schar and Ki are capable replacements for Lascelles and Shelvey, but let’s hope whoever fills in for Dummett can do a good job – especially when Burnley tend to get the ball out wide and put crosses into the box for their big centre forwards.
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