Yoshinori Muto admits he faces a battle to force his way into Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez's starting XI - despite returning to the field for the first time in three months.

The Japan international returned from the Asian Cup in January and was told by Benitez to fight for his place.

With Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez in fine form, and linking up with Miguel Almiron, Muto is fortunate to get a place on the bench at the moment.

But he was afforded a cameo role against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend in the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

Muto managed five touches in nine minutes on the South Coast as he played for United for the first time since the home game with Manchester United back on January 2.

Muto said: "I'm very happy. Finally, I could play on the pitch. I'm fully fit now yes.

"The competition is tough, Almiron, Rondon - everybody has been playing well.

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"It's not easy to get my position again, but I have to keep working and focus on scoring."

Muto will be keen to top up his minutes in the next clash against Arsenal.

Looking forward to the game, Muto said: "I didn't score at Bournemouth so next game I want to score for the team.

"We have to keep working and we have to focus on the next game.

"It's been frustrating, yeah, sure and after the Asian Cup, I didn't play in the games. I was very frustrated, but I have worked very hard in training.

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"Finally, I could play, but I'm not satisfied.

"I should keep working.

"I have to be positive and focus on the next game.

"I can play both - behind the striker and stirker. It doesn't matter."