Mikel Merino will not be available for Newcastle when they host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
The midfielder has picked up a back injury, with Rafa Benitez admitting that the player will be sidelined for “a couple of weeks at least” and will not join up with Spain’s U21s during the forthcoming international break.
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Saturday’s meeting will be just the fifth league meeting between the sides and only the third in the Premier League – both teams won one game each in the 2015/16 campaign, with Bournemouth winning 3-1 at St. James’ Park in Steve McClaren’s last game in charge of Newcastle.
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