Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed captain Jamaal Lascelles is closing in on a return to first-team training.

The centre-back has not featured since the Magpies' 4-1 win over Preston in April due to a groin injury, a result that secured their promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The 23-year-old has undergone an operation to correct the problem and has played no part in the club's pre-season preparations.

However, Benitez has now confirmed the former England Under-21 international is close to returning to first-team training and he could now be fit for Newcastle's opening match of the season against Tottenham at St James' Park on August 13.

“I think next week he will be training with the group, he will be OK," Benitez told the Shields Gazette.

Even if Lascelles does prove his fitness for the season-opener, he still may not be guaranteed a starting place as summer signing Florian Lejeune and Republic of Ireland international Ciaran Clark could get the nod.