Jason Tindall addresses Federico Fernandez's omission from Newcastle United's squad

Fernandez hasn’t featured since the start of last month, and the defender hasn’t even made the bench for the winless club's last four Premier League games.

Tindall, Eddie Howe’s assistant, was asked about Fernandez’s situation ahead of tomorrow’s game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

“Feddy, of course he’s in contention, just like the rest of the squad,” said Tindall. “Everyone’s always in contention for every game, but the manager will always pick the team that he believes is the best to win the game.

"He will choose the bench providing what we feel is needed to cover for that game. I can only speak on how Feddy’s been since we’ve been here. He’s trained extremely well.

"He’s an outstanding professional, a fantastic guy. He’s a real leader in the group, and I’m sure with so many games in the Premier League, every one of these players will be called upon at some point. As and when that happens, who knows?”

Graeme Jones was asked about Fernandez during his spell in interim charge of the team.

"I really like Feddy as a defender, but I didn’t see any value in putting him on the bench,” said Jones. “If you’re winning, you’re not going to put him on, and if you’re losing, you’re not going to put him on. Feddy needs to start – or not. So it’s the same reason as I left him out of the 20 (against Crystal Palace)."

Fernandez, 32, signed a new two-year deal at the club in the summer.