Alexander Isak’s 93rd-minute winner from the penalty spot ensured the Magpies go into the two-week international break on the back of a win, which has put them two points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur with two games in-hand.
There are 17 days between Forest and United’s next match against Manchester United at St James’ Park on Sunday April 2, and Howe has decided to fill some of that time by taking his squad to the United Arab Emirates.
“Immediately it’ll be a little bit of rest after an intense period of game, then we’ll get back to training and preparation for Manchester United,” said Howe. He then told BBC Newcastle: “I think we’re away for about five or six days. We’ll be training and making sure we’re fit and focused for the last part of the season.”
However, as highlighted by NewcastleWorld earlier today, not all of Howe’s squad are currently in Dubai. Here’s a list of the players we know aren’t there, at the time of writing:
9. Bruno Guimaraes - in the Maldives
Bruno’s fiancée’s Ana Lidia Martins has posted regularly about the pair being in the Maldives after the midfielder unexpectedly missed out on the Brazil squad. | Getty Images
10. Alexander Isak - international duty
Following his two-goal heroics against Nottingham Forest, Isak linked up with the Sweden squad for the first time since September. Janne Andersson’s side take on Belgium and Azerbaijan in Euro 2024 qualifiers. Photo: Laurence Griffiths