Florian Lejeune makes stunning return from injury in front of 185 fans | OneFootball

Despite having played in La Liga with Eibar against the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in some of the world’s biggest stadiums, Florian Lejeune found himself at Whitley Park playing against the Norwich U-23s on Monday night in front of 185 fans.

Rafa Benítez was a very interested party in the stands as Lejeune played 45 minutes in his first action since suffering an ACL injury back in July that was supposed to keep him out for the entire season.

Benítez had thought the injury was so serious in the pre-season that Newcastle went out and signed Federico Fernández from Swansea City.

Benítez has stressed the importance of getting Lejeune back into the fold and he is now expected to get Premier League minutes before Christmas.

“We have Federico Fernández now at the moment but to have a player like Lejeune who can pass the ball really well and play long passes and switch play gives us something more.

“It gives you more in possession and sometimes we are missing that. He gives confidence to our other defenders. He showed composure on the ball.”

Lejeune started and played the entire first half, looking very comfortable at centre-back and constantly talking up the promising youngsters who were on the pitch alongside the 27-year-old.

Norwich did score 20 minutes into the match, but Newcastle’s U-23s were able to come from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Cal Roberts and Rosaire Longelo.