Injuries have slightly derailed Newcastle’s came but the international break arguably came at a decent time for Howe’s men.

To reset and allow some first-team stars to build up their fitness ahead of a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks.

Sitting six points adrift of the top four in the Premier League and also bottom of their Champions League group.

Newcastle’s clash with Chelsea on Saturday will be followed by meetings with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan – four of which are on home soil.

Newcastle will welcome a return to St James’ Park where they have won each of their last four Premier League home games without reply.

Beating three London clubs – Brentford, Crystal Palace and Arsenal – in the process.

not since February 1907 have the Magpies won five top-flight home games in a row without conceding a goal.