Ciaran Clark is out of Newcastle's Premier League clash with Albion.

The Republic of Ireland team-mate of Albion's Shane Duffy has been undergoing treatment since withdrawing from the squad for Tuesday night's Nations League defeat to Wales with a thigh injury suffered in training, but will not make Saturday's game, along with striker Salomon Rondon.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: "Rondon has been doing part of the training session with the team, but still is not available.

"Clark has had some treatment because he has a muscle problem - which is not too important - but he will not be available."

Benitez's side are without a win in their opening nine games of the season, but the Spaniard is confident they are close to turning a corner.

He said: "The first win is almost the most difficult and as soon as we win the first game, we will start having more confidence and it will be easier for us."