Rafa Benitez has explained his decision to leave Islam Slimani out against Manchester United.
The deadline day signing wasn't involved in Newcastle United's 1-0 win over Jose Mourinho's side.
Slimani, signed on loan from Leicester City, had hoped to feature against Man United at St James's Park.
However, the striker – who arrived on Tyneside with a thigh injury – didn't make Benitez's squad.
Newcastle now have a two-week break ahead of the January 24 game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Manager Benitez said: “He was fine, but he was still feeling it a little bit.
"It was a case of waiting because we have 15 days now before the next game so we can keep working with him.”