2017 AFCON FINALS: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez ready to release Atsu for Ghana

Published on: 09 December 2016
2017 AFCON FINALS: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez ready to release Atsu for Ghana
Christian Atsu

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is planning for the departure of Ghana star Christian Atsu to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Atsu are among four players who will leave the Championship side for the January tournament in Gabon.

Cheick Tiote (Ivory Coast), Mo Diame (Senegal) and Achraf Lazaar (Morocco) are all expected to be called up.

Atsu will miss six league matches and at least one FA Cup tie if Ghana advance to the medal stage.

"We have to keep it in our heads that we will lose maybe four players for the African Cup of Nations," said Benitez.

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