Following Sunday’s late collapse against Arsenal, it immediately felt like a massive week for Newcastle United to get back on track.
Two big games awaited and we passed the first test with flying colours after a 4-0 win over Union SG, with the second test being a home tie with Nottingham Forest before the second international break of the season gets underway.
On that note, several call-ups have already been confirmed, with the first seeing Joelinton selected by Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti alongside Toon teammate Bruno Guimaraes for upcoming games against South Korea and Japan.
Big Joe was selected last month after a spell away from the Selecao, but he was forced to withdraw due to an injury picked up in that 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. With that in mind, it’s a huge boost for the 29-year-old to be included again as he pushes to be part of next year’s World Cup squad.
Moving to Europe, Nick Woltemade has been called up by Germany ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, but it’s perhaps a surprise to see Malick Thiaw left out after his superb displays in a black and white shirt, seeing the centre-back shine against Bournemouth, Bradford, Arsenal and Union SG.
Woltemade isn’t the only Mag with two vital World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, with Anthony Elanga also selected for Sweden duty as they too look to make up for a slow start to their qualification group.
Emil Krafth misses out following just one appearance all season in our cup win over Bradford, but Elanga will line up alongside Alexander Isak in games against Switzerland and Kosovo.