This international period will be most remembered for the amount of injury worries that have begun to plague Eddie Howe’s squad.
Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood all suffered various niggles and injuries throughout the break, adding to an already extensive list of fitness worries on Tyneside.
Although none of these injuries are expected to be too serious, it does mean Howe has one or two major decisions to make ahead of the clash with Marco Silva’s side.
One spot of good news for the Magpies, however, is the expected imminent return of Callum Wilson who has been absent since their 3-3 draw with Manchester City in August.
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI that could take to the field at Craven Cottage.
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9. RW: Miguel Almiron
Almiron has started the season well after a blistering pre-season but will want to add goals and assists to his name with Alexander Isak, once he recovers from injury, breathing down his neck for a starting spot. Photo: George Wood
10. ST: Callum Wilson
It will be a huge relief to see Wilson back in-action for Newcastle and it should come this weekend in the capital. He was close to a return last time out against Bournemouth but was left-out of the squad by Howe as a ‘precaution’. Photo: Clive Brunskill
11. LW: Ryan Fraser
Allan Saint-Maximin has been on fire this season but Howe won’t want to take any chances on the Frenchman as he recovers from injury. Fraser enjoyed a very productive break with Scotland and will hope to continue that momentum into the Premier League. Photo: Ian MacNicol