Newcastle United confirm training camp trip and meeting with former Man Utd star

Newcastle United have confirmed they will travel to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp during the break for the World Cup Finals.

The Magpies will head to Riyadh for a camp between the 4th and 10th December as they travel to Saudi Arabia for the second time following on a similar visit last January.  On that occasion, Eddie Howe’s side visited Jeddah and beat Al-Ittihad in a friendly thanks to goals from Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser as part of a training camp that was said to have played a key role in the vastly-improved performances and results throughout the second half of the Premier League season.

Their latest visit will also see United in friendly action after they revealed they will face Saudi champions Al-Hilal on 8th December - although a kick-off time and venue for the game are yet to be confirmed.  The Riyadh-based club count former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo and former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira among their current squad and claimed a third consecutive third consecutive Saudi Pro League title earlier this year.

Speaking to the club website, Magpies manager Howe said: “The break for the World Cup gives us the opportunity for a mini pre-season ahead of a crucial part of the season, and I’m pleased to have finalised our plans.

“Our trip to Jeddah in January was pivotal for us last season. It galvanised the group, and the hard work the players put in was rewarded in performances and results on our return.  We will have access to world-class facilities as refurbishments at our own training ground continue, and we look forward to facing Al-Hilal and playing in front of our growing numbers of supporters in the region.”

United are scheduled to return to Premier League action on Boxing Day when they visit the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City.