Chancel Mbemba’s return gives Rafa Benitez a selection “problem” ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Molineux - but the centre-back appears unlikely to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 22-year-old arrived back on Tyneside from the Africa Cup of Nations 10 days ago but was suffering from stiffness which ruled him out of the 1-0 victory over Derby County.
Yet the Democratic Republic of Congo international is fit to face Wolves on Saturday - the very same opponents against who he struggled against during the 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park back in September.
Mbemba is believed to have failed to enact Benitez’s specific instructions during that loss, and has played just once in the league since.
And, with Grant Hanley - as well as captain Jamaal Lascelles and defender Ciaran Clark - seemingly ahead of Mbemba in Benitez’s selection thoughts for the centre-back positions, it looks unlikely that the DR Congo international will start at Molineux.
“When he came back [from Gabon] he was a little bit stiff with a few problems,” Benitez said of Mbemba.
“But this week he has been training better.
“So the problem I have now is the competition between players.
“They are doing well, and imagine we have 27 players, just two injuries, so 25 players have to compete for just 18 places.”
Hanley, meanwhile, impressed during Newcastle’s win over Derby last weekend, helping the Magpies to a clean sheet.
And Benitez was pleased with the Scotland international’s performance in just his second league start for the club.
“We signed him because we were looking for players with experience in the Championship,” Benitez said of Hanley.
“He is a great professional, good for the team spirit, and when he has had to play he has done well.
“We are happy with his contribution and hopefully he can do better between now and the end of the season.”