Newcastle United squad arrive in Dubai for warm-weather training ahead of Premier League run-in

Newcastle United have landed in Dubai for a week of warm-weather training, the club’s website has confirmed. Eddie Howe and the squad arrive in the Middle East just eight weeks after their visit to Saudi Arabia for the same purpose.

The Toon boss hailed January’s visit as a key reason for the improved form that inspired a nine-game unbeaten run and lifted Newcastle comfortably out of the relegation zone. Despite suffering two late defeats in a row, the Magpies are still nine points clear of the bottom three and are on the cusp of top-flight survival.

Toon chiefs have earmarked the Nad Al Shaba Sports Complex - previously used by Arsenal and Man Utd - as the location for Newcastle’s next team-bonding jolly, with the next fixture not until Tottenham (a) on April 3. A 16-day layoff offers Howe the chance to regroup his squad and get players back to full fitness.

Allan Saint-Maximin has not started since last month’s 1-0 victory against Aston Villa, whereas Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Joe Willock have been absent in recent weeks. The latter two started against Everton but a further two weeks of recovery could be a blessing in disguise.

Crocked Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier are also making the trip to Dubai as they aim to return and play a part before the end of the season.