MATT RITCHIE is not involved in Newcastle United's home game with Brentford this afternoon because he has been suffering from a sickness bug.

Ritchie has missed a number of training sessions this week because of the illness, and has not been considered for today's Championship encounter.

Rafael Benitez has made one change from the side that started against Rotherham in the game before the international break, with Ayoze Perez returning to the starting line-up.

Perez replaces Mo Diame, who drops down to the bench, and will play in the hole behind lone striker Dwight Gayle.

Jack Colback partners Jonjo Shelvey at the base of midfield, with Ciaran Clark continuing alongside Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the back four.

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Colback, Shelvey; Atsu, Perez, Gouffran; Gayle.

Subs: Sels (gk), Hanley, Lazaar, Yedlin, Hayden, Diame, Mitrovic.

BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1): Bentley; Colin, Dean, Egan, Bjelland; McLeod, Yennaris; Clarke, Woods, Sawyers; Hogan.

Subs: Bonham (gk), Saunders, McEachran, McCormack, Kerschbaumer, Kaikai, Barbet.