Rafa Benitez loses key Newcastle player to illness
Ayoze Perez has been ruled out of Newcastle United's home game against Birmingham City.
The forward is unavailable for the Championship fixture after missing training today through illness.
United manager Benitez said: "Ayoze has a fever and was not able to train."
Midfielder Jack Colback (eye) and defender Grant Hanley (shin) remain sidelined.
Otherwise, Benitez reported no fresh injury concerns from last Friday night's 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground at his pre-match media call.