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.
