It’s Monday, 7th July, and with that comes the first day back for pre-season training at Newcastle United’s Benton base.
Several of our international stars won’t return until a slightly later date, having been granted extra time off, but several members of the first-team squad were pictured at the training base this morning.
Routine fitness checks will take place along with sessions both in the gym and out on the grass, with Eddie Howe getting a close look at his players as we prepare for a training camp in Austria, followed by upcoming fixtures against Celtic, Arsenal, Spurs, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid over the next five weeks.
Some of the names back at it today include Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, and Will Osula, who is back early despite his involvement in the U21 Euros just a few weeks ago.
Joelinton is back from a knee issue, fully fit and ready to train again, while Lewis Hall will work individually for a spell as he steps up his return from foot surgery.
The left-back is likely to miss the opening game of pre-season at Celtic, but is expecting to be fit for our season opener away to Aston Villa on August 16, as [Craig Hope](https://x.com/CraigHope_DM/status/1942132675982110868) reports.
**Early July** – Austria training camp
**Saturday 19th July –** Celtic v Newcastle (Celtic Park, Scotland – 3pm)
**Sunday 27th July –** Arsenal v Newcastle (National Stadium, Singapore – 7.30pm local time)
**Wednesday 30th July** – K-League All Stars vs Newcastle (Suwon World Cup Stadium, South Korea – 8pm local time)
**Sunday 3rd August** – Tottenham vs Newcastle – (Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea – 8pm local time)
**Friday 8th August** – Newcastle vs Espanyol (St James’ Park – 7.30pm)
**Saturday 9th August –** Newcastle v Atletico Madrid (St James’ Park – 4pm)