Whether Newcastle United will travel to Saudi Arabia after Manchester City game

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After Newcastle United take on Manchester City, the Magpies will have a rare break.

The 2023/24 season has been incredibly intense for Newcastle, and it has taken its toll. Plenty of players have struggled with injury, with both Joelinton the latest to succumb to an issue.

The likes of Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes have hardly featured, while Newcastle have had to play more games than ever with a smaller pool of players.

December was particularly difficult, with the Magpies playing once every three or four days. The schedule was absolutely relentless, and it ended with Eddie Howe‘s side crashing out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup before seeing their Premier League form dip.

Now that Newcastle are out of two competitions, the schedule is much more forgiving. Howe has more time to work with his players, while he is also preparing for a winter break.

After Saturday’s game against Manchester City, Newcastle will not play again for two weeks. It is a chance to recharge batteries and train properly, which has rarely happened on Tyneside this season.

In years gone by, the Magpies have used this type of break in the season to complete a warm weather training camp, but that will not be happening on this occasion.

Newcastle are not heading to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp

According to the Athletic, Eddie Howe wants to keep his squad on Tyneside during the upcoming winter break. They state that the club may look to travel abroad later in the season, but they will be staying where they are in January.

That will allow Howe to maximise his minutes, as it will mean there is no time wasted travelling.

It also means Newcastle will not be going to Saudi Arabia, which they have done on a couple of occasions since the change of ownership. The Magpies have also been to Dubai for warm weather training camps, with the Middle East a very popular destination for Premier League clubs.

A trip to Saudi Arabia did feel likely given the break in the season and the fact we are owned by PIF, but Howe will not be heading to the home of the Toon owners.

The last time the Newcastle United squad went to Saudi Arabia was December 2022. They played against Al Hilal in a friendly, winning 5-0 to get their hands on the prestigious Diriyah Cup – a moment that Jacob Murphy relished.