Former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is surprised that Everton's gam with Burnley is still going ahead on Boxing Day with the Toffees plagued by injuries and a number of positive Covid-19 cases.
The Blues are down to the bare bones ahead of their clash with Burnley and face Newcastle in a weeks time.
Benitez's admission has cast doubt over his return to the Magpies, if there are further positive Covid-19 cases in camp, the game could be postponed.
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Newcastle are set to face Everton on December 30 and will be looking to end their winless run after a difficult run of games.
There should be no better time to do it against an Everton side that only have 11 fit players, according to Benitez.
"With the injuries and the positives we had we were expecting that the game would be postponed," the Spaniard said.
"Now I have to think about if I have 11 players fit and where can I put them so I am really surprised that we are playing this game.
Benitez has to weigh up whether to parachute in England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been out of action since August 28 because of injury.
"We have players who have knocks, we have to push them and we have to play players that are maybe not fit," Benitez added. "Who will take responsibility if something happens?
"My main job now is to find 11 players in the right positions that they can compete against Burnley, it's not easy."
