Rafael Benitez talks about Christian Atsu and why he missed the Premier League game against Manchester United.
Atsu missed Ghana’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Egypt despite joining Kwesi Appiah’s side during the international break.
The 25-year-old returned to his club not ready to hit the football pitch with reports indicating the Ghanaian player could be out for a fortnight.
Who is to blame for Christian Atsu’s injury? Newcastle United coach Rafael Benitez has answers.
"I want to be very, very honest and clear. He had a kick during the game against Bournemouth and after, when he shot he was feeling it a little bit,” the former Real Madrid boss told Gazette.
“He put some ice on it and said he was fine. Then he went away with the national team. He had a training session and they sent him back.
"It's not the case that they were using him and then something happened. He had a little problem and then he went there, couldn't play and he came back. It's not that it's their fault. It's just something that happened.”
Christian Atsu joined Newcastle United from English Premier League champions Chelsea on a loan deal before making a permanent move.