Newcastle United

Rafael Benitez shuts door on Jack Colback return

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 November 2017

Rafael Benitez says that he has no intention of turning to Jack Colback to replace injured midfielder Mikel Merino, as five others are above him in the pecking order.

Rafael Benitez has suggested that there is no way back for Jack Colback at Newcastle United after falling way down the midfield pecking order.

The 28-year-old turned down the chance to leave the Magpies in the summer amid interest from Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite being warned about a lack of playing time.

Colback was then omitted from the squad photo, with Benitez telling the ex-Sunderland ace in no uncertain terms that his future lies away from St James' Park, and there appears to be no way back despite a potential injury layoff for Mikel Merino.

"He is training with the Under-23s at the academy. He knows the situation and I only concentrate on players I actually have," Benitez told reporters. "Without Merino, we can play Mohamed Diame, Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Henri Saivet. We can also play Chancel Mbemba there. Jack knows the situation."

Colback last featured in the 3-0 win over Barnsley on the final day of last season - one of 30 appearances as Newcastle claimed the 2016-17 Championship title.