Rafa Benitez plays down any rift with Jamaal Lascelles after reported training ground bust-up

Lascelles watched Sunday's match against Chelsea from the stands after a training ground disagreement with Benitez

Rafa Benitez has attempted to downplay any rifts between him and club captain Jamaal Lascelles after the Newcastle defender was dropped for Sunday’s match against Chelsea.

Lascelles watched Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Chelsea from the stands after an alleged heated argument with the manager in training.

He wanted to play in the centre of a back-three, but Benitez was playing him on the right of the back line in training which resulted in a training ground argument.

Rafael Benitez has built a rapport with players and fans on Tyneside (Getty Images)

When asked ahead of their Carabao Cup second round trip to Nottingham Forest if everything was okay between the pair, Benitez replied: “Yes, fine.”

“I spoke to him before the game at St James’ Park and when he left the ground. I spoke to him this morning maybe three or four times because his partner’s baby is due. We are fine.

Lascelles’ partner is due to give birth this week and is waiting to find out the extent of an ankle injury which rules him out of Wednesday’s match.

“The doctor is waiting for a scan,” Benitez confirmed. “I was talking to him before the game because he came to support the team and after the game. I am talking to him all the time.”

Newcastle last reached a domestic cup final in 1998/99, but Benitez was keen to not raise expectations amongst supporter too much.

“To have a cup run is always good for the spirit. But at the end, you know it is very difficult. You have to find the balance. At Valencia, you could change seven players and still win. Now, to change seven players and keep winning, only the top sides can do that.

Benitez is not placing too much importance on the League Cup (Getty Images)

“The main thing for me is to be sure we are competitive. We will try to win, and if we can go through, fine. If we cannot, it’s because maybe we are not strong enough to manage two or three competitions.”

Newcastle may be without Jonjo Shelvey (thigh) and Matt Ritchie (knee) for Wednesday's match, but Kenedy is available for selection again after being ineligible against his parent club.