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Newcastle news: Rafa Benitez discusses Jonjo Shelvey, Jamaal Lascelles returns vs Man City
RAFA BENITEZ has revealed Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles’ chances of returning to action when Newcastle face Manchester City.
Newcastle’s disastrous start to the campaign continued on Wednesday in the second round of the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground where they lost 3-1.
Benitez fielded a weakened side and the Magpies paid the price as they were torn apart late on by a rampant Forest.
Lascelles was left out of the first team for the 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle last Sunday after an alleged row with Benitez, but supposedly he has an ankle injury.
Shelvey also sat out the loss to the Blues and was left out of the starting XI against Forest.
They were training today [Wednesday], but they didn’t do the full training session
And Benitez is hopeful the pair may return against City on Saturday (5.30pm) as they seek to gain their first victory of the campaign.
“They were training today [Wednesday], but they didn’t do the full training session, so we’ll have to see,” he said.
When asked whether he is concerned going into the City game about the lack of goals from his side, he said: “I don't agree that Forest were the better team and I'm not concerned by how we played.
"We did well to control the game after the first minute when we conceded. They were able to play on the counter attack.
"We did not create many chances so we need to improve in attack and keep working hard.
"It's a long season, we need it was going to be hard but we have confidence in ourselves."
Forest boss Aitor Karanka, meanwhile, was delighted with the performance of his players and singled out Matty Cash for special praise.
He said: “It was great to win against a Premier League team of their quality and experience. We never give in until the end and we showed that again today. We always believe.
"Matty Cash is a player who has energy and scores goals. He is a really good player for our squad.
"I can understand Newcastle's frustrations throughout the game. But we have a very good squad, good strikers and showed we are clinical at the end.
"When we play in our style, we show just how good we are."
The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup will be made on Thursday.