Newcastle United in Dubai: Eddie Howe explains Bruno Guimaraes & Joelinton time-off

Newcastle United have returned to training at the back of this week as they prepare for the final part of the 2022-23 Premier League season.

The majority of the Magpies’ squad have been based in Dubai since the weekend after flying from East Midlands Airport immediately after the 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest last Friday night.

But before resuming work at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex on Wednesday, Eddie Howe granted his squad some time off, and not all players chose to remain in the Middle East.

Bruno Guimaraes travelled over the Maldives with his partner, while Joelinton returned to Brazil to catch up with friends and family. The pair are in Dubai now before Howe’s side fly back to Tyneside on Friday.

“We’ve enjoyed some good training,” Howe told NUFCTV. “The lads have been excellent in their attitude. It’s been a smaller group with some on international duty but I’ve been really pleased with what the lads have produced.

“Initially, early in the week, there was a bit of relaxation for the players. As always with international breaks, you can’t keep them going the full time. It’s been a busy spell of games so this was a chance to enjoy the sun and each other in a different way.

“But we’re quickly back to work because we’re now preparing for Manchester United.”

United headed into the international following back-to-back against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest. They next host Manchester United at St James’ Park next Sunday (April 2, kick-off 4:30pm).

“For me, it’s all about attitude and the attitude of the group since day one of pre-season has been excellent,” Howe said. “This was a chance for the first few days to unwind slightly because if you’re at that high alert state all the time, it’s not actually good for you.

We’ve tried to bring the players down but also you can stay down for too long so it’s getting that balance right where now we bring the lads back to work and make sure their bodies are fully conditioned for the next game.”

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