RAFA BENITEZ has confirmed that Newcastle’s United’s biggest injury doubts ahead of Saturday's Premier League relegation battle with Cardiff City should be available for selection.
Skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Irish defender Ciaran Clark were huge worries for the Magpies boss after they were forced off during the FA Cup third round win at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.
Lascelles looked certain to be missing after suffering a hamstring issue with his first run down the line after his half-time introduction. There were also concerns over the fitness of Fabian Schar, impressive at Ewood Park, and Isaac Hayden.
Benitez, who will not have Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett around, said: “We have to assess some players because we have a lot of knocks. I am optimistic.
“We have the same problems we had, but I am quite optimistic with Clark, Hayden, Lascelles, Diame and Schar that they will be available.”
Mo Diame has trained this week as he looks to make his return having not played since January 2.
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