While the majority of Eddie Howe’s squad jetted off to Dubai hours after the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest last time out, a number of players also linked up with their respective national teams.
The likes of Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Martin Dubravka were all involved in Euro 2024 qualifiers, while Garang Kuol, on loan at Hearts, featured against Ecuador in back-to-back friendlies labelled the ‘Welcome Home’ series.
All players, except Kuol, who heads back up to Scotland, will report back to Newcastle’s Benton training base within the next 24 hours ahead of the big St James’ Park clash against the Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils.
What mood, or physical state do they arrive back in? NewcastleWorld rounds up how each player performed on international duty.
1. Nick Pope - England
Pope played no part in England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine after withdrawing from the squad with an unspecified injury.
2. Alexander Isak - Sweden
Isak played 73 minutes in Sweden’s 3-0 home loss to Belgium, and played a similar amount in the 5-0 win over Azerbaijan, where Isak had a goal ruled out for offside and provided an assists.
3. Kieran Trippier - England
Trippier was an 81st minute substitute in England’s 2-1 win in Italy but wasn’t required against Ukraine, which ended in a 2-1 win at Wembley.
4. Martin Dubravka - Slovakia
Dubravka kept back-to-back clean sheets, firstly a goalless draw against Luxembourg, and then a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo: Stu Forster