Newcastle United definitely did not want this international break to come this week, on the back of two impressive performances and results. With momentum so crucial at the top level, Eddie Howe will spend much of the next fortnight hoping his stars return unharmed from their duties with their respective countries.

But even if they avoid picking up injuries in international fixtures, the eight first-team players who will link up with their nationals squads will have to deal with the rigours of the travelling involved - in some cases halfway around the world.

Howe will keep a keen eye on the fitness of his key players, with Bruno Guimaraes rested for a recent Premier League game at Bournemouth after two demanding games for Brazil in the September break.

Newcastle travel to Brighton - ironically one of the longer trips of the season - on Saturday, October 18, and the head coach will make a careful call on who is involved once his players have returned.

With that in...