Following back-to-back Premier League wins versus Watford and Bournemouth, things looked to be on the up for Newcastle United and Rafael Benitez.
However, after a change in fortunes, the Spaniard could now be set to be handed a massive blow heading into the new year.
The Breakdown
With the 2019 AFC Asian Cup on the horizon, the Evening Chronicle reports both Yoshinori Muto and Ki Sung-yueng are likely to be called up for Japan and South Korea respectively, which could see the pair unavailable to play for Newcastle until February in a potentially massive setback for the club.
So far this season, Muto has mostly been used off the bench, but his goal-scoring display in Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat away at Manchester United last month was certainly encouraging going forward, while Ki has impressed in his side’s recent victories.
From the middle of the park, the South Korean midfielder has created a goal and added an extra spark to the team overall.
His ability to play accurate long passes and balls through the lines is something this Newcastle team, sometimes void of much creativity, desperately needed.
If Salomon Rondon can continue scoring and Jonjo Shelvey remain fit, then the Magpies should be able to get by without their two Asian stars.
But with the January period so hectic in English football, Benitez will not be able to help but feel frustrated with losing two members of his squad for that duration.
