The latest step in Newcastle United’s defence of the Carabao Cup trophy comes later this month against Fulham.
Holders Newcastle United will play Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at St James’ Park on Wednesday, 17 December, 2025.
With all due respect to The Cottagers, it looks like a winnable game for Eddie Howe’s side, particularly considering their record in this competition.
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I’d be telling him to get Anthony Gordon in the XI after his cameo against Spurs!
Newcastle beat Marco Silva’s side on Tyneside in October, so they should be approaching it full of confidence.
A return to Wembley in a competition that has been so kind to the club feels like a distinct possibility.
Still, a controversial FIFA ruling about the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations could make life more difficult for the Carabao Cup holders.
Fulham have chance to ask to keep AFCON players for Newcastle United clash
According to BBC Sport, FIFA have set Monday, 15 December, 2025 as the mandatory date from which clubs have to release their players selected in AFCON squads.
However, the door is slightly ajar. The guidelines also suggest that clubs can look to negotiate with various federations about exactly when they release players.
A statement from FIFA read: “It was also determined that Member Associations participating in the CAF Afcon 2025 and clubs released players who would be playing in continental competitions during the release period be encouraged to hold bilateral discussions in good faith to find appropriate individual solutions.”
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Most players are expected to have linked up with their countries six days before their first game at the tournament.
Nigeria’s first game doesn’t take place until Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 against Tanzania.
Given the magnitude of the game, perhaps there is scope for Fulham to ask to keep all of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze for the trip to Tyneside.
AFCON release date also makes Newcastle United’s game against Sunderland much harder
The fact that clubs do not have to release players until the third week of December also has major implications on the upcoming derby.
It means Sunderland will be able to call on players such as Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Bertrand Traore, thereby making them stronger.
The AFCON is a brilliant tournament and one worthy of the utmost respect, but the dates certainly make the derby much harder for Newcastle.
Alan Shearer is already fearing Newcastle’s game against Sunderland, and for very good reason indeed.
Before a ball was kicked this season, many would have expected the Magpies to take all points from the Black Cats.
What’s happened since, however, makes that currently seem unlikely.
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