Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle will spend the international break planning for the visit of reigning champions Arsenal while several key players are away on international duty.
The German coach, who arrived at the club in early August, will watch as stars such as Lewis Hall, Dan Burn, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Bazoumana Toure and more represent their countries. Mikel Arteta also has a large number of his Arsenal players away, which tempers the disruption.
Training ground opportunity
Despite missing some important players, Jaissle retains a core squad that will get vital time on the training ground over the next two weeks. Injuries have plagued his first three months in charge, but only Joelinton and back-up goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen are now on the sidelines.
Jaissle is still implementing his style and tactics, having had little time to work with his squad before the season kick-off. The fixture schedule has been lighter than last term, but games have still come thick and fast.
Summer signings in focus
Summer signings Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Nico Gonzalez will hope to benefit from extra training time. Newcastle spent more than £100m on the pair in August, but fans have yet to see the best of them.
Gonzalez faded after an excellent debut at Tottenham, and the break offers a chance to establish his role as a midfield quarter-back without leaving the backline exposed. Belgian youngster Fernandez-Pardo has returned from illness, but his best position remains unclear. He favours a central striker role but may lack the physicality the Premier League demands.
With Fernandez-Pardo, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes remaining on Tyneside, Jaissle can iron out his demands for the role and who is best suited to play there.
Returnees build fitness
Tino Livramento returned to the squad at Fulham and can use the two weeks to push for a place against Arsenal. Amar Dedic has performed well at right-back since arriving from Benfica, but Livramento provides an option on either flank.
Lewis Miley also returned at Craven Cottage. He deputised at full-back during Dedic's absence, but with Livramento fit and Dedic first choice, he faces a battle to start ahead of Gonzalez, Joelinton and Sean Steur. The coming weeks offer him a chance to underline his value to Jaissle's plans.
