Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has explained that Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu is making progress in his recovery from injury.

The Black Stars man aggravated a thigh/groin injury while away on international duty and missed Ghana’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt, as well as Newcastle’s 4-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend.

The Magpies will face Watford at home this weekend and Benitez has explained that while Atsu is making good progress, it is too early to say when he will return to action.

“[Jamaal] 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],” Benitez explained.

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