Rafa Benitez gives timescale for Mikel Merino's return at Newcastle
And Merino, as reported in the Gazette, will not be fit for tomorrow's home game against Bournemouth.
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Hide AdThe 21-year-old will not go away with Spain's Under-21s during the international break.
Asked about Merino's injury, United manager Benitez said: "(He'll be out for) at least a couple of weeks.
"He'll not go away with the national team and he'll not be available for the (Bournemouth) game.
"We have to wait and see. He'll have treatment for a couple of weeks."
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Hide AdMerino hurt his back in last month's home draw against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, defender Paul Dummett is closing in on a return from the hamstring injury he suffered in August.
"We have Dummett training on the pitch, but not with the team," said Benitez.