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...

9. Jacob Murphy - 7
Good play to beat his man and set up the opening goal. Got into some dangerous areas in the first half. Photo: George Wood

10. Allan Saint-Maximin - 7
Showed a good turn of pace to burst through the middle and attempt to find Chris Wood. Exerted his creative influence on the game with some clever passing but didn’t really penetrate. Photo: George Wood

11. Chris Wood - 6
Held the ball up and battled well while leading the line without having any meaningful chances. Was forced off with an injury just before half-time. Photo: George Wood

12. Sean Longstaff - 8
On for Wood 39: Linked play up well in midfield and made some strong challenges to win back position. Set up Almiron brilliantly late on. Photo: Stu Forster


