Newcastle United’s confirmed 28-man squad in Saudi Arabia: Eddie Howe includes five under-21s - gallery
Newcastle United are in Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp and friendly match against champions Al-Hilal.
Newcastle will face the Saudi Pro League champions on Thursday (5pm kick-off GMT) with Eddie Howe bringing a squad of 28 players over to the Gulf state.
The Magpies currently have five players unavailable due to being at the World Cup in Qatar. Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes are all representing their countries.
But in nearby Saudi Arabia, Newcastle have the rest of their senior squad as well as five promising under-21s players.
Discussing their inclusion, Howe told NUFC TV: “We love to train with 20 players so we wanted to get that ideal number. We want to give an opportunity to young players as well and I think those players who are with us are the ones that deserve to be.
“I won’t speak about them individually but they’ve all got qualities and they all offer something for the now and for the future. It will be a brilliant experience for them and hopefully one they remember for the rest of their lives.”
Here is the confirmed Newcastle United squad for the December tour in Saudi Arabia...
But in nearby Saudi Arabia, Newcastle have the rest of their senior squad as well as five promising under-21s players.
5. Jamal Lewis - 6
Tried to push forward but let Al Hilal in down his side and get crosses into the box on several occasions. Improved as the game went on and showed plenty of energy down the left. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
6. Jonjo Shelvey - 6
Was inconsistent in possession but almost set up Sven Botman following a teasing corner. Photo: Stu Forster
7. Joelinton - 9
Opened the scoring early on with a bullet header and saw and edge of the box effort saved after being teed up by Joe Willock. A great run and finish put Newcastle 2-0 up just before the break. An impressive outing before being taken off early in the second half. Photo: George Wood
8. Joe Willock - 7
Won back possession well in the middle and showed good turns of pace when breaking into the final third. Was unselfish to try and set up a chance for Joelinton. Should have scored himself and had a goal ruled out for offside but set up Joelinton for his second goal. Photo: Stu Forster