Winger Christian Atsu is available for the Leicester game after recovering from a thigh injury.
Jacob Murphy has had a run in Benitez’s team in the absence of Atsu.
“The competition between players had been quite good, and to bring them (Lascelles and Atsu) back is good,” said Benitez. “But, at the same time, when you lose players then others can show you the level that they can reach or the potential they have.
“It’s normal, but that’s the key when you talk about the squad. It’s not just 15 or 16 players. Across the course of a season, you need more players – and you need more players of the same level.”
Left-back Paul Dummett made his comeback from injury last night.
The defender played 60 minutes for Newcastle’s Under-23s in their 2-0 win over West Brom. Callum Roberts scored both goals.