Newcastle United playmaker Yohan Cabaye believes his one-match suspension this weekend might well be a positive as he prepares to watch from the sidelines at St James’ Park.
The France international, who bagged the Magpies’ winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in their last Premier League outing, will miss Saturday’s clash with Southampton after picking up five yellow cards.
Cabaye was relied on heavily by manager Alan Pardew last season as they looked to avoid the drop back down into the Championship and high levels of fatigue were clear to see in some of the midfielder’s performances.
However, the 27-year-old is now at the heart of a winning Newcastle side who sit in seventh place in the Premier League table ahead of the arrival of the Saints.
Cabaye believes missing the game will give him the opportunity to get some much-needed rest ahead of what will be an important festive period for the club.
“Maybe the suspension will prove to be a good thing,” Cabaye said. “It will allow me to relax for a little bit because I have been very busy for the national team.
“I could feel myself starting to get a bit tired, so perhaps the next week will give me an opportunity to relax and get some treatment that I need.
“It is hard to play so many games, and maybe I need this break.”
Cabaye will be looking to make his return to Pardew’s side when they make the trip to the capital on December 21 to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
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