Newcastle’s World Cup players won’t be rushed back into action when they return from the tournament, according to Eddie Howe. England’s Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson are all guaranteed to be in Qatar until at least Sunday, whilst Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar are also likely to extend their stay with Brazil and Switzerland.
Newcastle return to action in their League Cup tie against Bournemouth on the 21st of December and they may be without some of their key men depending on their World Cup exploits.
Howe is bringing his depleted squad to Saudi Arabia for training next week, and he has urged all of his players to make the most of the lull in the season before continuing their battle for Champions League football.
Howe said: “I think this break has been important especially when you fast forward to next summer when I don’t think the break will be long at all. So players do need a mental break.
“Even the guys that go to the World Cup will at some stage need a chance to refresh. “It’s very difficult to go so consistently without that breather.
“So the players should have utilised it well and keep themselves fit. There will be ways to monitor their fitness and make sure they come back in good shape.”
Via [ChronicleLive]
Newcastle currently sit third in the English Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City and a point ahead of fourth places Tottenham Hotspur.