It has been a busy international break for the Newcastle United squad. Some went to represent their countries, while others enjoyed some downtime before a warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
It has been a productive couple of weeks for the Newcastle team since the win over Nottingham Forest, as they continue to prepare for the Manchester United game on Sunday.
Now Eddie Howe is starting to get his full group back ahead of what is going to be a huge game at St James’ Park this weekend.
Before that, we look at Newcastle’s winners and losers following the conclusion of the international break.
Winners
Bruno Guimaraes: Bruno was not selected for the Brazil squad, an it should prove to be a blessing in disguise. He has been able to use the break to rest, including a trip to the Maldives with his partner. The 25-year-old has continued to struggle with an ankle problem, but is hopefully over it after the two week break in play.
Kieran Trippier: Two wins out of two for Trippier, who barely had to lift a finger. England beat Italy and Ukraine during the international break, with the right-back only playing nine minutes. That will suit Newcastle, as it should mean he is fresh ahead of the Premier League’s resumption.
Garang Kuol: The 18-year-old scored his first ever goal for Australia last week. He found the net in the Socceroos’ 3-1 win over Ecuador. It was an incredible moment for Kuol, who received a lot of praise for his maiden strike. The second game against Ecuador did not go quite as well, but the teenager’s confidence will be boosted by his first international goal.
Jamal Lewis: back-to-back starts for Jamal Lewis, which is something he has not done since the last international break. The defender is out of favour at Newcastle, but can take heart from his Northern Ireland exploits which included an assist against San Marino.
Martin Dubravka: Newcastle’s backup stopper is Slovakia’s number one, and he kept two clean sheets in a row during the international break. That will aid his confidence, having endured a strange season so far.
Losers
Sven Botman: The one an only international loser for Newcastle is Sven Botman. He was hoping to make his Netherlands debut during the international break, but all he got was a dodgy stomach from a questionable curry. The 23-year-old missed both games due to a virus, but should hopefully be fit to face Man United on Sunday after returning to training for his club.
The jury is out…
Alexander Isak: On the one hand, he did not continue his rich vein of form in front of goal. On the other, at least he came through the break unscathed. Isak has now started four games in a row for club and country, and will hope to rekindle his Premier League form at St James’ Park this weekend.
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