Benítez provides injury update

United welcome the Hornets to St. James’ Park this weekend, hoping for a win which could lift them up to ninth place in the Premier League table.

In recent weeks, they have had to do without the services of a quartet of first-team players, with Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett, Christian Atsu and Mikel Merino nursing injuries.

Benítez told nufc.co.uk that skipper Lascelles (foot) and winger Atsu (groin) are “getting better”, though still have some way to go before making their returns.

But he revealed that midfielder Merino, who has been recovering from a back problem, and defender Dummett, who is coming back from a hamstring injury, have both made good progress this week as they edge closer to a return.

“Lascelles is getting better, but still he will need some time, and Atsu is the same. It is too early to say (when they will be back),” he said.

“But Merino has been doing part of the training session and Dummett has done the full training session, so that is positive news for us.”

Merino hasn’t featured since he netted the winner in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last month, while Dummett – who returned to full training last week – has been out since the opening day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

And, although no timeframe has been set for their comebacks, Benítez said seeing the two players step up their rehabilitation will be a welcome boost for his side.

“I think it’s important to have players coming back,” he said. “With Merino, he was doing so well and the fans were so excited. If he is OK it will be a big boost for everyone, because you always need quality.

“Dummett is important for us, because he is one of the only left-footed full backs that we have. He is someone who has some experience too, and will give us more competition and different options.”