Newcastle host Cardiff in the league on Saturday
Wednesday 16 January 2019 10:17, UK
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is hopeful those players who sustained injuries in their FA Cup third-round replay win at Blackburn will all be fit for the weekend.
The visitors progressed to the fourth round of the cup after a 4-2 extra-time victory at Ewood Park on Tuesday night.
However, Newcastle saw Ciaran Clark, captain Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Isaac Hayden all pick up knocks ahead of a crucial clash at home to fellow Premier League strugglers Cardiff on Saturday.
Benitez, though, was positive his walking wounded could all feature at St James' Park in three days' time.
"It is important to win, it is important to score four goals and to go through," said the Spaniard after the match.
"At the same time, you have some problems and you will lose some players. Hopefully not.
"I don't think it is very serious [Clark]. It was a kick to his knee, an inflammation, but we will see in a couple of days.
"Jamaal, we have to wait and it is too early. It is a hamstring and you never know."
The Newcastle boss also revealed that Brazil forward Kenedy missed the cup clash due to an issue with his toenail.
"He had a problem with his nail and the reality is he cannot put the boots on - as soon as he puts the boots on, he is feeling pain," he said. "He is getting better and I think in one or two days he will be OK."
