The Newcastle United squad are currently in Dubai for the second warm weather training camp of 2022.
After a disappointing end to an astonishing run of form, Eddie Howe has once again decided to take his players abroad during a break in fixtures.
The Magpies went to Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, spending multiple days there following the January win over Leeds.
The trip helped inspire an incredible run of results for Newcastle, with Howe’s side making it nine games without defeat to distance themselves from the bottom three.
While there was a lot of work done on the training pitch, it was also an important trip for team bonding. And Howe is looking to replicate that in Dubai.
Newcastle ‘training hard’ in Dubai
When the squad went to Saudi Arabia in January, Mehrdad Ghodoussi stayed in the UK. It was the closing stages of the January transfer window, so the Toon co-owner was based on British shores.
But with no transfer window to navigate this time, Ghodoussi is on the trip.
Amanda Staveley’s husband provided an update from training on Tuesday morning. He posted a picture of the players being put through their paces in the soaring heat.
Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin can be seen – two players who will be looking for a lift when they return, but for different reasons.
The former missed Newcastle’s previous two games due to illness. He’ll be hoping to win back his place in the starting XI. As for the latter, he’ll be looking to buildup his fitness after two uninspiring substitute appearances away at Chelsea and Everton.
It’s important that Newcastle keep their focus for the remaining nine games. While survival looks likely, it is not guaranteed. And even when safety is confirmed, players should be fighting for their place next season.
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