Things are looking up for the Magpies.
After missing the last three games, influential midfielder Mikel Merino is back in training on Tyneside this week.
Merino has been out with a back problem but was training with former side Osasuna during the international break and returned to the North East on Friday ahead of training this week.
Elsewhere, Benitez could have significant funds to add to his squad in January, if Amanda Staveley and her PCP partners complete a takeover of the club in the next five weeks.
The Toon boss has been planning for the January window since the summer one closed and has had his scouts working hard identifying potential targets across Europe.