The Chronicle is reporting that Rafa Benitez might have to deal with another defensive injury after Newcastle United centre half Grant Hanley was forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad.

Since joining from Blackburn Rovers in the summer, Grant Hanley was handed just his third league start of the season when Newcastle drew 0-0 with Birmingham on the weekend.

Amid a bit of a defensive crisis, Hanley slotted in at centre back alongside Jamaal Lascelles in Ciaran Clark's absence.

The 25-year-old had initially been named in Scotland's squad to play Canada and Slovenia but he has had to withdraw with an injury which is yet to be specified.

Hanley could join Clark on the sidelines, as well as right back duo DeAndre Yedlin and Jamie Sterry.

With limited options at the back, Benitez was forced to make Vurnon Anita and Paul Dummett play through the pain barrier this weekend to fill slots in the defence.

Hanley's injury could see 22-year-old Chancel Mbemba return to the side for the first time since before the African Cup of Nations.

Newcastle fans - what do you make of this news? Are you now in the midst of a defensive crisis? Can Gamez or Mbemba fill in? Let us know in the comments below...