Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe following the Premier League match with Chelsea. Jamie Carragher has praised Howe's job at the club as 'absolutely fantastic' (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe following the Premier League match with Chelsea. Jamie Carragher has praised Howe's job at the club as 'absolutely fantastic' (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe following the Premier League match with Chelsea. Jamie Carragher has praised Howe's job at the club as 'absolutely fantastic' (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The seven Newcastle players who need to impress Eddie Howe in Saudi Arabia – four who don’t - gallery

It’s an important week for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United squad in Saudi Arabia as they prepare to return to competitive action.

Newcastle have brought 28 players over to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp which will see them face Pro League champions Al Hilal on Thursday (5pm kick-off GMT).

For some players the trip is simply working to get back to full fitness for the return of competitive action against AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on December 21 (7:45pm kick-off). For others, it is also a chance to impress Howe and stake a claim for a place in the starting line-up.

Some players already have their positions cemented in the starting line-up given Newcastle’s impressive start to the season meanwhile other places remain up for grabs.

Here are seven players who should be looking to impress Eddie Howe while in Saudi Arabia...