Kenedy could face uphill task of breaking back into Newcastle XI

By Dom Toner

Newcastle United winger Kenedy was omitted from the squad completely in the 1-1 draw away to Watford on Saturday and may have a difficult task forcing his way back into contention.

Manager Rafael Benitez made the bold decision to leave him out of the squad and the attacker’s form of late has been poor.

The Magpies earned a point at Vicarage Road in the Premier League thanks to another goal from Salomon Rondon, but it could have been more if not for Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late headed equaliser.

Newcastle impressed on the road in wide areas, as Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie both put in decent shifts.

The duo showed a tremendous work-rate and also quality on the ball, which should give them the edge in terms of starting roles moving forward.

Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy was an unused wide option waiting on the bench and is still waiting to show his best form at St James’ Park.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Kenedy could have his work cut out getting back into Benitez’s books and may have been overtaken in the pecking order.

The 22-year-old left-winger dazzled on loan from Chelsea last season and was a real talisman for the side, which promoted Newcastle to re-sign him on loan in the summer.

But the £25,000-a-week ace (Spotrac) has looked lazy at times and completely short of ideas going forward.

Kenedy needs to try reignite the form that made him a fan favourite last season and seize his next opportunity in the team.