On the brink: Three Newcastle players fighting for their future at the club
Aleksandar Mitrovic
What do you do with a man like Mitrovic?
That is the question Benitez will have been asking himself from the start of the season, as the Serbian striker continues to frustrate both his boss and the Newcastle United supporters.
What appeared to be a bright start – two goals in two games – was marred by a pointless off the ball incident against West Ham, which saw him subsequently suspended for three games.
He has not appeared since, and was totally snubbed from the match day squad for the club’s clash against Liverpool.
It is uncertain whether the 23-year-old is walking on thin ice or if Benitez believes he has fallen through said ice, but he has two months to prove his worth before the transfer window opens.
What confounds belief even more is that the powerful front man will likely be spearheading Serbia’s World Cup hopes next summer, but his place in the Newcastle side is significantly less certain.
Click ‘4’ below to see the attacker who arrived at St James’ Park over the summer – and could be on his way months later