Rafa set for touchline return

Following an operation, Benítez was forced to sit out United’s 1-0 win at Swansea City earlier this week, a result which saw the Magpies climb into the top half of the Premier League.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles netted the game’s only goal, heading home a Matt Ritchie corner 15 minutes from time.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Benítez reflected on a trying period on a personal level, and paid tribute to those who led the team in his absence.

“I would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone here – the staff, the players, the fans – for their messages – and the medical department. It was a special situation, but everyone was showing sympathy and support, and I’m really pleased with that,” he said.

“Last week was not easy. I was trying to come back during the week, but I was feeling sick. I tried again on the day of the game but it was very complicated and I was not feeling well. So, I was thinking, ‘What can you do for the team? Maybe a team talk, or something.’ But, if you are sick, you can do nothing, so it is better to leave them. I was in contact with my staff during the week, and they told me the players were really good – very focused, and working very hard. So, everything was in place. After (the game), I was in contact with Antonio (Gómez Pérez), and Antonio was in contact with Mikel (Antía) and Paco (Francisco de Míguel Moreno), and I was talking to some players, so everything was fine. It shows a lot of work behind the scenes has been done well.

“Obviously, I wanted to be there, but I was confident during the week, and everybody was telling me everything was fine. I (watched) from the sofa, taking some notes, I was on the phone all of the time. I was shouting (at the TV screen), but I was enjoying it.”

Saturday’s opponents arrive on Tyneside on the back of an impressive draw with Manchester United last week, where they ended the Red Devils’ 100 per cent start to the season.

The Potters are unbeaten since the opening day of the campaign, and Benítez acknowledged that they are likely to prove a tough nut to crack at St. James’ Park.

“I have been watching clips, like other managers, and they are a good team. They have a good balance, they are very strong in defence, and they have some pace and ability in attack,” he said. “They have a good side – they can play on the floor, and they can do a lot things well. They have a manager with experience.

“Manchester United are a very, very strong side, so to do what they did – and in the way that they did it – is quite good, so it will be a tough game.”