Ghana winger Christian Atsu made his return from injury in Newcastle United’s 3-2 home defeat to Leicester City.

After missing four games due to a thigh injury sustained in the first week of November, Atsu made a second half appearance as Benitez’s side were condemned to a seventh consecutive premier league game without a win.

Atsu was brought on in the 64th minute to replace Ritchie but he did little to help the Magpies avoid the loss with his own teammate Ayoze Perez scoring a last-gasp own goal.

However, Atsu’s compatriot Daniel Amartey was left out of Leicester squad for the encounter.