Jamaal Lascelles has been ruled out of Newcastle United's Premier League encounter at Brighton.
The club captain reported to training with a stomach complaint and will be rested for the game against Chris Hughton's side.
With Miguel Almiron injured and long-term injuries for Sean Longstaff and Florian Lejeune, Benitez has limited numbers this weekend.
He said: " Almiron is out for at least three weeks but we will see how he progresses.
"He has had his treatment and now he is positive.
"Lascelles is out of Brighton game as well with a stomach illness. "
But after an intense week of training at Benton both Isaac Hayden and Fabian Schar, who came off injured against Southampton, will be on the plane for the South Coast encounter.
Benitez said: "We have some knocks, but Schar and Hayden, for me, should be fit."
Benitez hinted Christian Atsu may get a chance, he said: "With Almiron now, Rondon and Ayoze have more chances, and Atsu is doing great as well.
"But when you have players who link well, then it means everything you do gets better."
It remains to be seen whether Jonjo Shelvey gets his first start since last November in the Premier League.
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