David Raven returns from injury tomorrow night as the reserves take on Newcastle at the Racecourse Ground. The England u20 defender has been sidelined for a couple of weeks with a groin strain, but is set to line up at right back against the Geordies, with new Spanish recruit Antonio Barragan employed in front of him on the right wing.
Raven impressed in the Carling Cup last season, and had been pencilled in for a place in the squad that travelled to Sofia two weeks ago. Injury ruled him out, but Barragan was included and appeared as a late substitute. Raven had been attracting interest from Tranmere Rovers in pre-season, but Rafa Benitez was adamant that the versatile defender was going nowhere, not even on loan.
The two promising youngsters appear to be in direct competition for the right back spot in the reserves, but Barragan looks much more comfortable going forward than defending, whilst Raven is a more natural defensive player.
Florent Sinama-Pongolle is expected to continue his comeback from injury, after excelling as a second half substitute in last week's 3-2 mini derby defeat.
