Two key players missing from squad heading out to Japan as Bruno Guimaraes delivers huge boost

Newcastle United are heading to Japan today to continue their pre-season preparations off the back of a 2-0 win over Hull City yesterday.

Eddie Howe is hoping to have a stronger squad to pick from when the Magpies take on Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday morning (11.30am kick-off UK time).

The Newcastle boss picked the strongest starting XI he could to take on Hull on Saturday, but that line-up included three full-backs playing in the back four with another playing in midfield so it's safe to say that it was far from the team we expect to see face off against Southampton in three weeks.

Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar will make the trip to Japan after returning to training following their international exploits.

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Bruno Guimaraes is heading to Japan with the Newcastle squad

Crucially, Bruno Guimaraes will also head to the Far East and should partake in at least one of the games, the second being against Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday 3rd at 11am UK time.

After being granted extended leave after making it to the Euro 2024 final, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier will miss the Japan tour.

We've seen that Trippier is taking some time out in Dubai, teasing meetings with scouts from Saudi Pro League sides.

What would a full strength Newcastle United look like?

We probably won't get any idea of what a full-strength starting XI will look like in pre-season regardless of which players are available as Eddie Howe doesn't like to give too much away.

The close proximity of the fixture at the Sela Weekender kind of prohibits Howe from playing a full-strength side anyway.

In fact, given the injuries the squad is carrying, we're not likely to see a full-strength starting XI this year thanks to Sven Botman's ACL surgery.