Newcastle United are set to lose a set of players in January due to the impending African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Christian Atsu, Achraf Lazaar, Chancel Mbemba, Cheick Tiote and Mohamed Diame are the players Newcastle United could be set to lose. That’s a lot of midfielders to be out in January. Especially if the club and players get into form.
Newcastle United is no stranger to having to deal with the loss of players due to international duty, but it’s always frustrating to see. It begs the question to be asked whether or not sending the players on international duty is worth it.
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Last season both Newcastle keepers were injured with ACL injuries during international duty. Whether or not that affected the club’s fight for safety can be debated until the end of time.
To lose Mbemba is a blow to the defense. The club needs a strong defense, and Mbemba is a part of that. Losing Lazaar is a blow to the offense at the wing as is losing Christian Atsu. The club takes a blow to midfield with the loss of Mohamed Diame and Cheick Tiote.
The club is on a strong run of form currently winning four matches in a row. Newcastle United is expected to maintain that form going into their next run of matches.
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I’m sure Benitez is prepared for the loss of the players, but Newcastle United will be the most affected club in the Championship. This could also be beneficial, as it will give other players a chance to step up to the first-team and allow Benitez to shake things up a bit.
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