Rafa Missing Two Key Players

Last updated : 18 March 2017 By Footy Mad - Editor

Image result for Ciaran Clark v newcastle

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed his side will be without two key defenders for their trip to Birmingham City on Saturday.

Ciaran Clark will miss the game at St. Andrew’s after being unable to recover from an injury picked up in 3-1 defeat by Fulham last weekend.

The Republic of Ireland international is not the only key player to miss out for the Spaniard’s side, with DeAndre Yedlin also missing the fixture.

The American full-back is nursing an injury himself after sustaining one in the match against Brighton & Hove Albion, making the 23-year-old unavailable for selection.

“We have some problems – Yedlin was injured against Brighton and still is not fine,” Benitez told the club’s official website.

Yedlin and Clark are not the only players who are unable to make the trip to the Midlands, with Issac Hayden, Rolando Aarons and Jaime Sterry also unavailable.

“We have Sterry, Hayden and Rolando Arrons (out), and now we have Clark, who has a problem with his medial ligament. He will not be available,” Benitez continued.

“We have some problems, but still we have some good players waiting and hopefully they can do well in this game.”

There is good news however, with Paul Dummett back fit and available for the match against the Blues, who are currently sitting 14th in the Championship.

Gianfranco Zola’s side will be welcoming back Clayton Donaldson back to the side after a three month absence, which will test the Magpies’ defensive abilities.

However, it should be noted that the Blues haven’t beaten Newcastle in a league game at home in nine games, something Benitez will be hoping he can extend on Saturday afternoon.