Callum Wilson reveals key 'frustration' as Dubai break gives players and staff bonding opportunity

Callum Wilson says being unable to train and play for Newcastle United due to a calf injury is "frustrating" but the Magpies' trip to Dubai has allowed the squad the opportunity to bond.

Wilson has struggled for form this season due to a series of injuries impacting his playing time. A hamstring injury earlier in the year saw him miss four matches, and the 30-year-old is back in the treatment room due to a calf injury which has kept him sidelined since January.

Speaking on The Footballer's Football Podcast, Wilson said: "This is a place where you can work hard but also get some sunshine as well. It's a change in scenery. Whilst the weather in England is hit and miss, i think [Dubai] is a good place to be."

He added: "If anything [being injured] is frustrating. I want to be playing, training and doing all the things a footballer does. I don't want to be stuck inside in a gym when everyone is outside having fun. I want to be scoring goals. It seems good from the outside, but when you are actually in it then it's not as good as it seems."

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Wilson was speaking on the BBC podcast alongside West Ham striker Michail Antonio. Asked by the Hammers' man what the Magpies are getting up to in Dubai, Wilson said: "We've been going out as a team, getting meals together, spending time around the pool together. You see the lads in a different environment and it's a different side of them and their personalities.

"They're such a good group of lads. I'm probably not the only one to say it, but they are actually a really good group of guys. When you actually get them away from the football environment and around the pool instead, you do