Joe Willock and Will Osula are using the international break wisely, as they prepare for Newcastle United’s return to action.
The Magpies’ next game is not until 18th October, as they aim to make it three wins on the bounce against Brighton following victories over Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest.
For many of Eddie Howe’s players, they are receiving the honour of representing their countries. Anthony Gordon impressed for England against Wales on Thursday night, while Bruno Guimaraes’ assist for Brazil against South Korea earned him rave reviews from the Brazilian media.
However, not every Newcastle United player has been called up for international duty. Joe Willock has never been in the England squad, while Will Osula was not included in the latest Denmark squad.
They have got the international break off, but are using their time wisely alongside two of Newcastle’s most experienced players.
- Who is Joe Willock? All you need to know about the Newcastle United midfielder
Four Newcastle United players head to Dubai for training camp
The players that are not on international duty have got some time away from the Newcastle United training ground, but that does not mean that the hard work stops.
That is certainly the case for Willock and Osula, who have been pictured taking part in a warm weather training camp in Dubai alongside Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles.
Toon defender Trippier posted a picture to his Instagram story on Friday morning, showing the four Toon players running together in the Middle East.
Eddie Howe will be delighted to see his players working hard during the international break, especially given their respective situations at St James’ Park.
- Who is William Osula? Get to know the rapid Newcastle United striker who is quickly becoming a cult hero
Pressure on Joe Willock at Newcastle United
Out of the four players working in Dubai, Willock has the biggest point to prove. He is very much out of favour at St James’ Park, having started just one game all season. That was the 0-0 draw away to Bournemouth.
Willock is becoming the forgotten man on Tyneside, with Howe’s settled midfield three of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton proving to be unbreakable.
The 26-year-old will soon have even more competition for minutes, with Jacob Ramsey returning to fitness after recovering from an ankle injury.
Ramsey’s comeback could push him even further down the pecking order, at a time when Willock’s Newcastle future is unclear.
With that in mind, it is encouraging to see him working hard alongside his Toon teammates during the international break.
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