Eddie Howe has brought a bumper Newcastle squad over to Saudi Arabia including players recovering from injury as well as Under-21s stars. The Magpies currently have five players out at the World Cup in Qatar and therefore unavailable during the warm weather training camp in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
United have faced their fair share of injury issues so far this campaign with record signing Alexander Isak featuring just three times prior to the World Cup break following a thigh injury. Emil Krafth was also dealt a significant injury blow after rupturing his ACL on his first start of the season at Tranmere Rovers in August.
Newcastle have already trained in Saudi Arabia and will play Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal on Thursday before hosting La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, December 17 (12:30pm kick-off).
Here we look through the current Newcastle United squad and the current injury/unavailable list and estimate when each player is likely to return to action...
5. Matty Longstaff - ACL
The young midfielder picked up a serious knee injury while on loan at Colchester United and has since returned to the club. He had undergone surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season with his contract set to expire in the summer. What Howe said: “Very difficult for any young players to pick up any serious injury. It is bad timing for him. We certainly wish him well, and hope he recovers full. “We’ll support him back to fully fitness. There’ll be no concerns there. It’s our duty.” Estimated return date: Late summer 2023 Photo: Getty