If you were thinking Newcastle United players and staff were going to have an easy break over the winter, think again. While the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar jet off to Qatar for the World Cup, Eddie Howe and the players left at home will be hard at work ensuring their fine start to the season isn't wasted in 2023.
Newcastle confirmed they would be involved in a winter friendly with Rayo Vallecano on Friday, with the clash taking place on the same day as the World Cup third-place play-off. The Magpies will also jet out for some warm weather training in Saudi Arabia during December.
"We're trying to organise a mini pre-season for the players," Howe told reporters on Friday. "The players that remain with us will need to stay fit and sharp and be ready for the Premier League resuming. It's an exciting game and one we're looking forward to."
