Newcastle United plan World Cup break friendlies

The Premier League will stop for next month’s World Cup, which kicks off on November 20. Games resume on Boxing Day, though Newcastle will have a Carabao Cup fixture in the week before Christmas if they beat Crystal Palace at St James’s Park a third-round tie next month.

Howe spoke about the club’s plans ahead of this afternoon’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The club is lining up a training camp, expected to be in Saudi Arabia, as well as friendlies for the six-week break.

“I think we’ve decided on how the schedule looks for the players,” said United’s head coach. “There’ll be a mixture of things, potentially going away.

"Nothing finalised. Yes, friendlies, a bit of rest for the players – and then work, like a mini pre-season, to get ready for the second half of the season.”