Newcastle United news: Expert says Howe handed ‘bonus’ by PIF as details of Saudi visit revealed
The recent friendly against Al-Ittihad gave Eddie Howe the opportunity to keep things ticking over within the Newcastle United squad.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Newcastle spent a portion of the winter break in the homeland of new owners PIF, where they beat Al-Ittihad 2-1 in a 70-minute practice match.
The likes of Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lascelles, who both picked up knocks in the previous game against Leeds, turned out for the Magpies.
Per the Daily Mail last Friday (28 January), Howe explained that the trip was a “very good experience to bring everyone closer together.”
The 44-year-old also revealed that he had met with the new owners and discussed their vision for the club.
Dinnery argues that PIF’s request for Newcastle to play Al-Ittihad will have served as a valuable fitness-maintaining exercise ahead of their trip to Everton next Tuesday (8 February).
“I think we’d be naive to think players would get this time fully off during the break,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“They get a few days then they’re back on it and fully focused. Given Newcastle’s plight, it’s an opportunity.
“It was a good opportunity for those on the fringes of the squad to get some minutes and show what they’re capable of for the final stage of the season.
“That’s a bonus from PiF for Eddie Howe and for those players. Eddie Howe isn’t going to undertake any risks.
“If you were in the UK, there would be some kind of bounce game behind-closed-doors game anyway.
“Having that competitive edge gives it a little bit more spice and meaning.”
Newcastle are 18th in the league table ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.
They currently have six players out injured who are doubts for the clash.
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor tips Newcastle United to beat Arsenal and Tottenham to even more signings after deal agreed.