Newcastle United will embark on a mini pre-season next week as they head to Riyadh with the Magpies' World Cup stars missing from the squad.
However, with two matches before the League Cup last 16 tie against AFC Bournemouth a host of fringe players will get their chance to get minutes under their belt and put themselves in contention for the encounter against the Cherries. A clash against Al-Hilal in Riyadh and a home friendly with Rayo Vallecano lies in wait meaning there is an opportunity to kickstart some players' seasons.
Here's five Newcastle players who could really benefit from what Eddie Howe sees as a crucial part of part two of the 2022/23 campaign.
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Jonjo Shelvey
The former Liverpool midfielder was in fantastic shape in pre-season back in July and looking like a nailed-on starter for the opening game against Nottingham Forest in a deep-lying midfield role. But disaster struck during the 3-2 loss against Benfica when he suffered a hamstring injury in Lisbon.
Some observers forecasted a long lay off but Shelvey was back sooner than expected and has played his part in a handful of Premier League matches and had 86 minutes under his belt against Crystal Palace in the cup. With Bruno Guimaraes set to return to the squad later in December, Shelvey will have his eye on the Bournemouth game and be looking to put himself in contention for Leicester away on Boxing Day.
Alexander Isak
The £63million record signing is pushing to be fit after a thigh injury suffered on international duty with Sweden during the autumn. Isak was already pencilled in to feature against Al-Hilal but will be assessed during Newcastle's stay in the Middle East next week.
Having started well enough with two strikes in his first three matches the untimely muscle injury was a huge blow for the ex-Real Sociedad star. With Callum Wilson on World Cup duty, he will get a real chance to stake his claim for a run in his preferred central role.
Ryan Fraser
The Scotland international is still regarded highly by Eddie Howe and while many predicted he would leave shortly after his ex-Bournemouth boss was appointed, the duo have shown there is no bad blood about his decision not to renew his contract for the lockdown games of 2020.
Instead, Fraser was a key man in the first handful of games for Howe last season and arguably played his best football for the club in the spring before picking up an injury. After a testing start, with more injury trouble thrown in this term, he will be raring to go for the second half of the season.
The two friendly clashes this month are the ideal opportunity for Fraser to push his case. And is there a better player to try to unlock the Bournemouth defence later this month?
Jamal Lewis
The Northern Ireland international had groin problems last season and required surgery but was handed a squad number in August by Howe. The speedy full-back though hasn't been spotted on the field since the 4-1 win at Fulham and has not been able to press ahead as planned.
Lewis is rated hugely by Howe but he has an intriguing battle at left-back going on between Dan Burn and Matt Targett with the Geordie currently on top. It almost feels like the situation points to a loan exit in January, but Lewis will be eyeing minutes in the next fortnight.
Jamaal Lascelles
The club captain has waited patiently for his chance this season and in fairness hasn't let anybody down when he's been involved. Lascelles has helped steer the Magpies into the last 16 of the League Cup with two solid showings against Tranmere and Palace.
No player enjoys being sidelined but Lascelles has shown a patient and calm attitude, accepting the team's good form and knowing he can't argue with selection at the moment. With Fabian Schar away on international duty with Switzerland and this season's regular on field captain Kieran Trippier with England, there's opportunities around the corner.
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