Revealed! Why Newcastle United duo Matt Targett and Karl Darlow miss Al-Hilal match

Newcastle United duo Matt Targett and Karl Darlow are missing from the Magpies matchday squad for the game against Al-Hilal.

The pair are out in Saudi Arabia training with the rest of the 28-man group taken over by United, however, neither are set to take part in the clash with the Saudi Pro League champions.

Loris Karius makes his United debut in goal, with Eddie Howe looking to tie him down a longer term deal, to cover for Darlow. Mark Gillespie is on the Newcastle bench.

And at left-back, Northern Ireland international Jamal Lewis plays with Targett out. Dan Burn is on the bench having missed a chunk of the trip to the Middle East through illness.

Targett and Darlow out

Prior to kick-off fans will have been surprised to see the pair’s names not in the United XI or on the bench.

And the club have confirmed both players miss out due to illness.