CALLUM WILSON and Kieran Trippier have travelled to Dubai for Newcastle United’s warm-weather training camp, with Magpies head coach Eddie Howe still hopeful the duo will be able to return to first-team duty before the end of the season.

With a combination of FA Cup quarter-final weekend and the forthcoming international break meaning his side do not have a game for the next fortnight, Howe has opted to take his players away to warmer climes for the second time this year.

The Newcastle boss feels a previous trip to Saudi Arabia was a major factor in bringing his squad together in the wake of the January transfer window, and Howe and his players will spend the next few days training in Dubai after flying out of England today.

Wilson and Trippier were part of the group that headed to the Middle East, along with fellow long-term injury victim Federico Fernandez.

Their presence on the trip highlights Howe’s desire to keep his squad intact, but also reflects the continued hope that both Wilson and Trippier will be able to play in the remaining nine matches of the campaign.

“The injured players are coming with us,” confirmed Howe. “We’re trying to build a spirit and unity that we feel will be hugely important for the remaining games. All players will go.”

Trippier has been sidelined since suffering a fractured metatarsal in last month’s win over Aston Villa, while Wilson has been out of action since injuring his calf in December’s draw with Manchester United.

Wilson is set to step up his rehabilitation programme in the next couple of weeks, and is increasingly confident of being able to return to first-team action before the end of the season.

“I’m getting there slowly,” said the Magpies striker, who was speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast. “I should be out on the (training) pitches very soon, which will be good. Then, you know you’re close to a return, but I can’t give a firm update as to when I’ll be back because I still don’t know.”

Last night’s defeat at Everton has left Newcastle sitting in 14th position, nine points clear of the relegation zone, but with Everton and Burnley still having two games in hand on the remainder of the teams involved in the battle to avoid the drop.

Leeds United head to Wolves this evening, while Brentford take on Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.