‘Brilliant’ Newcastle United injury news ahead of Manchester United clash

Eddie Howe and the majority of his Newcastle United players are back on Tyneside following their sunny trip to Dubai.

The Magpies jetted off to the United Arab Emirates from East Midlands Airport just hours after their 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. The squad was handed some time off before resuming training at the state-of-the-art before resuming work at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Included on the trip were January signings Harrison Ashby and Anthony Gordon. Emil Krafth, who is unlikely to play again this campaign as he recovers from an ACL injury, also linked up with his teammates.

“It’s been really good for the long-term injured like Emil,” said Howe. “It’s been a godsend really because it gives him the chance to be around the players again rather than detached and on his own as he would be normally, so brilliant mentally for him.

“For Anthony, he’s got a chance more for the new players to know the players better. Anthony and Harrison Ashby will now feel fully integrated into the group. Sometimes it takes a trip away to feel at home.”

Only time will tell if Gordon has a chance of recovering from his ankle injury in time to face Manchester United after the international break. Ashby, meanwhile, will have benefited from further training time following his minor hamstring issue.

Howe’s squad touched back down in Newcastle on Friday afternoon and will now step up their preparations for the Red Devils clash. A win for the Magpies will see them leapfrog Erik ten Hag’s side into third position.

“We’re looking forward to getting back,” said Howe. “The way we’ve scheduled things, there will be a good period of work next week with quite a long build-up to the game. We’ll enjoy that build-up, get our tactical plan together and make sure the lads are ready for what is a massive game.”

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