By Russell Edge
Newcastle United fans have taken to social media to voice their surprise that full-back Jesus Gamez is missing from the squad for their clash against Stoke City on Saturday.
The club announced the starting XI on their official Twitter account, Rafael Benitez making three changes to his side with DeAndre Yedlin, Chancel Mbemba and Christian Atsu replacing Gamez, Javier Manquillo and Jacob Murphy.
TEAM NEWS: Here's how Newcastle United will line up against @stokecity at St. James' Park today (kick-off 3pm BST). #NUFC #125YearsUnited pic.twitter.com/NPgGjREErq
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 16, 2017
However, Gamez’s omission has come as somewhat of a surprise after he was one of the Magpies’ star performers in their 1-0 victory away to Swansea last weekend.
The 32-year-old Spaniard is also missing from the bench, and as a result, the Toon Army have taken to Twitter to voice their shock, as well as their theories behind his absence.
Football Insider has rounded up a selection of the fans’ top tweets:
Think that is very harsh on Gamez! Not even on the bench!
— Jordan Burn (@Jordan_Burn) September 16, 2017
Jesus gamez? He played amazing
— Rohan Gulliver (@gulliver_rohan) September 16, 2017
@CompleteNUFC no Gamez at all ???? strong last week as you said before. Weird.
— Lewis Whitehead (@LWhitehead92) September 16, 2017
Gamez must be injured. Can't imagine he'd be dropped after last weeks performance
— Tynemouth Surf Cafe (@SurfCafeTM) September 16, 2017
Feel for Jesus Gamez like. Even if he is 108 years old.
— Ben (@Grindle__) September 16, 2017
Feel for @JesusGamez02 , thought he looked really good for #nufc against Swansea.
— Michael Telfer (@mictel45) September 16, 2017
Actually quite surprised to see Jesus Gamez dropped thought he did really well against Swansea
— Dash (@Dash111_) September 16, 2017
Feel a bit sorry for Gamez, thought he played well last week. Decent side though, three points please ???????? #NUFC
— Graeme Bell (@GraemeBell_NUFC) September 16, 2017
The versatile defender, who is a natural right-back but can also operate comfortably on the left hand side, was a surprise arrival to the club in the summer of 2016, joining from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
However, injury and form saw his game time limited in the Championship, as he made just seven appearances across all competitions.
Last week’s clash with Swansea was his Premier League debut and despite an uncertain start at the Liberty Stadium, he was integral to helping the Magpies to a second successive league victory and clean sheet.
In other Newcastle United news, this attacker has revealed why he snubbed the Magpies’ transfer pursuits over the summer.
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