Benitez shares injury update – 1 out for a ‘few weeks’, 2 set to return & 3 ‘better’ but not ready

Rafa Benitez has provided an injury update ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with Watford, and it’s good news on Kenedy and Fernandez, mixed news on Shelvey, Dummett and Diame and bad news for Ki.

Both Fernandez and Kenedy are ‘fine’ and expected to play tomorrow after missing Cardiff, however it seems none of Shelvey, Dummett or Diame will be risked – despite Rafa confirming that all three are progressing well.

All three have been missing for a good few weeks now, and it seems like Ki is also set for a short spell on the sidelines.

Here’s what Rafa’s had to say on the injury front today:

“Shelvey, Dummett and Diame are progressing and doing better.

“Ki is the other one – coming from the Asian Cup injured, and we are not very happy with that. It seems to be a couple of weeks. He could be fine then.”

“Kenedy and Fernandez are fine now. So, we have two or three that need to improve, and at least two coming back.”

It’s also been confirmed that potential Lazio loanee Jordan Lukaku WON’T play tomorrow, with the Belgian international not registered in time – despite being at our training ground as we speak to finalise a move.

With this injury news in mind, tomorrow’s team could look something like this:

(4-2-3-1) Woodman – Yedlin, Fernandez, Clark, Manquillo – Hayden, Longstaff – Ritchie, Kenedy, Murphy – Joselu.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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