Newcastle have suffered a major blow as they are likely to be without the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Christian Atsu and Mikel Merino for their Premier League clash against Watford on Saturday.

The Magpies will be desperate to get something from the game after losing their past three consecutive games.

The Hornets meanwhile will be looking to build on last weekend's win against West Ham.

Magpies boss Rafa Benitez confirmed that Lascelles and Atsu are still recovering from respective foot and groin injuries.

He told the Newcastle website: “Lascelles is getting better, but still he will need time, and Atsu is the same. It is too early to say [when they will be back]."

There is better news however for Merino and Paul Dummett with both having been involved in different levels of training during the past few weeks.

“Merino has been doing part of the training session and Dummett has done the full training session, so that is positive news for us," Benitez said.

“I think it is important to have players coming back. With Merino, he was doing so well and the fans were so excited. If he is OK it will be a big boost for everyone, because you always need quality.

“Dummett is important for us, because he is the only left-footed full back that we have. He is someone who has some experience too, and will give us more competition and different options."