Fresh injury worry for Rafa Benitez as Newcastle defender pulls out of internationals

Rafa Benitez is already without Ciaran Clark, DeAndre Yedlin and Jamie Sterry.

And Grant Hanley – who filled in for Clark in Saturday's goalless draw against Birmingham City – has been forced to pull out of the Scotland squad for Wednesday night's friendly against Canada and Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

The 25-year-old won praise from United manager Benitez for his performance at St Andrew's.

Benitez said: “He is someone who really talks in defence. It was not easy for him, because their striker is really strong, but he did well.”

The knee injury suffered by Clark against Fulham earlier this month is being assessed by the club's medical team, while Yedlin (thigh) could be back early next month.

Championship leaders Newcastle resume their campaign with a home fixture against Wigan Athletic on April 1.

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