Rafael Benitez is not at Newcastle United training today, but fears his absence may have been to do with the club's disastrous transfer deadline day work have been eased.
The Spaniard identified a list of key targets he wanted to be signed before the window closed on Thursday night, with the former Real Madrid boss having been clear about his view that the Magpies are carrying too many Championship standard players.
But Newcastle missed out on Benitez's targets and even let the club's only fit left-back, Achraf Lazaar, leave to join Italian Serie A club Benevento on a loan deal.
Goalkeeper Tim Krul also left, on loan to Brighton, leaving Benitez with a weaker squad than that with which he went into deadline day with.
There have been fears amongst Newcastle fans that Benitez could now walk away from the job at St. James' Park and worries only increased when it emerged he is not at training at the club today.
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But according to the Chronicle, Benitez's absence is unrelated to the club's transfer failures.
The former Real Madrid boss is seeing doctors about a previous issue and is expected to be back at the club for work on Monday.
It remains to be seen how Benitez feels about heading into the thick of the season with a squad not up to the standard he was seeking and the Spaniard will need to wait until January to make additions.
