Newcastle United have started pre-season training, but same major names are conspicuous by their absence.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Alexander Isak are yet to report to the training ground. They were given extended breaks due to representing their countries during the post-season international break.
The only player who represented his country and is back already is Kieran Trippier, with the Newcastle captain leading by example as always.
Plenty of Eddie Howe‘s top players are going to be unavailable for Saturday’s friendly against Gateshead, but it looks like a return is right around the corner based on Bruno’s latest tweet.
Bruno Guimaraes on his way back to Newcastle
The Newcastle midfielder has taken to Twitter to deliver a message that will absolutely delight Toon fans. It is a simple one, but one that signifies that he is on his way back to Tyneside.
Bruno tweeted out one word: “Newcastle”
His message was accompanied by multiple plane emojis, implying that he was set to fly back to the North East ahead of the new season. He then confirmed this via his Instagram, uploading a picture to his story of himself, his wife and his son on a plane.
The main man is on his way back, and you have to imagine he will be joined by Newcastle’s other international players.
The only ones who might not report back just yet are Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, who had an extended season due to the Under-21 European Championship. Gordon certainly won’t be back, having just played in the final last Saturday.
But with Bruno now set to return, Howe is edging closer to having his full squad back in training. That is a boost ahead of the Magpies’ friendly against Rangers next week, which will be followed by the trip to America.
You have to imagine that every member of Howe’s team will be there when Newcastle jet across the Atlantic. There is even hope that a new player will be involved, with the Magpies looking to finalise a deal for Harvey Barnes.
With Newcastle’s international stars now jetting back to the North East, Howe’s pre-season preparations will go up a notch.
Bruno is back, and the rest will soon follow.
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