FIFA rules 'block' Newcastle United star from training after World Cup return
Newcastle United news: Bruno Guimaraes has joined up with Newcastle’s squad in La Manga, but one player remains away from the group.
Newcastle United are training at La Manga in Spain this week ahead of a pre-season friendly match at Valencia on Saturday.
The Magpies flew out on Friday afternoon and were later joined by incoming head coach Matthias Jaissle on Saturday and club captain Bruno Guimaraes on Monday evening.
According to the club, Guimaraes’ delayed return to the group was down to a pre-arranged travel plan for the midfielder to arrive from Brazil following an extended break. Guimaraes was given extra time off after reaching the last-16 at the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
But the transfer narrative surrounding the midfielder and Arsenal’s interest has only fuelled speculation surrounding his delayed return and whether he would train with Newcastle at all. The Gunners remain in talks with Newcastle over a potential transfer after an initial bid was rejected.
Now that Guimaraes is with Newcastle in Spain after his World Cup break, it raises questions over Dan Burn.
Burn became somewhat of a breakout cult hero for England at the World Cup with his substitute performances against Mexico and Norway to help secure a semi-final spot and an eventual third-place finish. Burn came off the bench in the closing stages of the semi-final match against Argentina, with England leading 1-0, only to concede twice late on and exit the competition.
England’s World Cup still ended on a high with a thrilling 6-4 win over France in the bronze final to secure a best tournament finish since 1966. FIFA regulations state that players should have a minimum three-week break after representing their nation at the World Cup.
Although Burn only had limited game time at the tournament, he was away training and working for over six weeks. England’s last World Cup match was three weeks ago on Saturday, meaning Burn will return to training at Newcastle as early as next week.
After facing Valencia, Newcastle play Everton at Murrayfield before a St James’ Park double-header on August 15 and 16 against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg respectively.
The Magpies start their Premier League season at home to Liverpool on August 23.