Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is ready to give Federico Fernandez a run in the team as a reward for his patience.
The former Argentina international sat out 10 Premier League games after an injury and then a loss of form, and was challenged by Rafa Benitez to fight for his place.
The 30-year-old returned to the side for the FA Cup clashes against Blackburn in January but his appearance at AFC Bournemouth in the 2-2 draw before the international break was his first of the year in the Premier League.
Benitez said: "He has more chances. He was the best defender at the start of the season.
"After that the others were doing well when he was injured so he had to wait.
"He has been training well so hopefully he can be ready."
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Newcastle will be looking to stave off the threat of relegation over the course of the next week or so as they face a trip to Arsenal and then a less daunting home encounter with Crystal Palace.
But Benitez wants a consistent attitude, he said: "Every game and every point will be really important.
"We just have to repeat the same message."
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