Rafa Benitez issues positive injury update on Newcastle first-teamer

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Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has updated fans on the condition of Sean Longstaff.

The Spanish tactician was undertaking press conference duties for the day and was asked about how the Englishman is doing.

Longstaff sustained knee ligament damage against West Ham United last month, and the expectation was that he would miss the remainder of the season.

Benitez said of the 21-year-old, via the club’s official Twitter: “I saw Sean Longstaff today – he is walking around and getting stronger. Other than him and Lejeune, the rest of the squad are fine.”

The fact that Longstaff is walking around freely without the aid of crutches or a support brace so soon is certainly positive news.

It will give hope to fans that he might be seen again before the season is out, although the Magpies medical team will not want to rush him, especially once Premier League safety is secured.

Before his injury, Longstaff was making great progess in the first-team, building an impressive midfield partnership with Isaac Hayden.

The Blackpool loanee made eight consecutive starts in the top flight and definitely made an impression on the fans during that time.