Newcastle United: Can any of the outcasts earn a spot in the rotation?

With the transfer window in the rear view mirror, will any of Newcastle United’s outsider players get a chance this season?

Yes, we know, Newcastle United had a dud on deadline day. While there is massive frustration about the lack of incoming players, there are also players well out of favor with Rafa Benitez that weren’t moved. With the players like Jack Colback, Henri Saivet, Massadio Haidara, and Jesus Gamez around until at least January, will any of them earn time in Premier League action?

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Colback getting a chance seems the most unlikely. Not only does his form prevent him from getting time, he also reportedly had a spat with Rafa on the training ground. He was rumored to be heading a few different places on deadline day, but nothing came to fruition. Saivet is an interesting situation. He was labeled as a massive flop with no chance of returning for meaningful minutes Tyneside. But, interestingly enough, he has been in the 18 for two Premier League matches, neither time subbing on, and started the club’s Cup loss against Nottingham Forest. The Senegalese midfielder will provide depth behind Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, and Jonjo Shelvey if any of them were to get suspended or injured.

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Haidara and Gamez, in all honesty, should have earned time already due to injuries ahead of them. When Paul Dummett and Florian Jejeune got hurt in the season opener, Rafa wasn’t comfortable enough with either Haidara or Gamez to start them at left back the next week. He’s moved center back Chancel Mbemba to fullback, where he’s performed surprisingly well. If the two outcast outside backs couldn’t see the pitch when injuries should have made it an easy decision, they won’t be pushing past anyone on the depth chart.

When we reach January, I would expect offloading Colback to be a top priority, and I think Haidara and Gamez could follow behind. Saivet still has a few years on his contract and has apparently impressed Rafa enough to keep him involved in the match day squad.