Newcastle United squad arrive in Saudi Arabia, but no Dan Burn yet

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Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United squad have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of their warm weather training camp in Riyadh.

The Magpies are in Saudi Arabia for the second time in 2022, set to be put through their paces ahead of domestic football returning later this month. Newcastle’s first game back is the League Cup clash with Bournemouth on December 21st, then the Premier League returns on Boxing Day, where Howe’s side travel to Leicester.

The squad made the long journey on Sunday, with the players not involved at the World Cup travelling to the Middle East.

That means Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar are not in attendance. Their respective nations are still competing for World Cup glory in Qatar.

Howe has brought some youth players along for the trip. The likes of Joe White, Dylan Stephenson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy all boarded the Saudia flight, who are the club’s new sponsor.

Ryan Fraser travels to Saudi Arabia with Newcastle squad

Winger Ryan Fraser is also part of the travelling group. That is despite reports linking him with a move away from St James’ Park.

The Telegraph have reported that he is ‘frustrated’ with his lack of minutes, and will seek a move away during the January transfer window.

But the 28-year-old remains part of the group for now, and will hope his efforts in Riyadh could earn him an appearance against his former club on December 21st.

One player who isn’t in Saudi Arabia yet is Dan Burn. However, there is no reason to panic. Newcastle World have reported that the £13million defender has been suffering with illness and is set to link up with the group in the next 24 hours.

Whether or not he is well enough to play a part in Thursday’s friendly remains to be seen. Newcastle are set to take on Al-Hilal, who are the Saudi Pro League champions.

The game will be available for fans to watch, with NUFC TV set to broadcast the friendly for free. Kick off is at 5pm GMT on Thursday December 8th.

It will be a chance for players to regain match fitness, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin looking to make up for lost time. Alexander Isak is also in attendance, and it will be interesting to see if he is able to play any part against Al-Hilal after his injury layoff.