'It is very easy to explain why he is not playing': Rafa Benitez admits Jonjo Shelvey faces a tough task to regain his starting spot for Newcastle Jonjo Shelvey has slipped to fifth-choice midfielder at Newcastle after an injury In his absence, Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff have impressed for Magpies Shelvey scored for Newcastle Under-23s at Fulham as he bids for match fitness
By Craig Hope for MailOnline
Published: 23:18 GMT, 1 March 2019 | Updated: 23:18 GMT, 1 March 2019
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Rafa Benitez says Jonjo Shelvey is now his fifth-choice midfielder at Newcastle.
The 27-year-old is available for selection following a thigh injury but cannot make the bench and has watched the last two matches from the stands.
Shelvey played for the Under-23s at Fulham on Friday in a bid to gain match fitness and will not be in the squad for Saturday's trip to West Ham.
Jonjo Shelvey is now fifth-choice midfielder at Newcastle after suffering a thigh injury
Benitez will start with Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden at the London Stadium, while Mo
