The bulk of the Newcastle United squad have returned to the club's Benton HQ in recent days, including captain Kieran Trippier, who is back with the first-team sooner than expected.
Trippier could have enjoyed an extended break following his England exploits last month, where he played 90 minutes against Malta and was an unused substitute in the win over North Macedonia. Both Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will return to Newcastle after their holidays, while Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon are both on a break after the Under-21 European Championship.
Trippier enjoyed a short break with his family but returned early to be in and around Darsley Park in the past week as Eddie Howe's players prepare to put the hard yards in. "The lads have come back as fit as we've seen," the Newcastle boss told NUFC TV.
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"We keep fitness records going back right back to my first season in management and they're the best we've seen. I'm delighted with the players' application. To be honest, I didn't expect anything else from the group."
Trippier was on hand to welcome new signing Tonali to Newcastle last week as the Italian got his first taste of the training ground and St James' Park. The former Atletico Madrid man recounted his previous run-ins with Tonali on the pitch before offering his advice whenever needed.
“It’s good, happy to have you here. Are you excited?" Trippier asked, as shown in footage shown on Newcastle's media channels. "If you ever need any help I’m always here to help you settle.
"I know how hard it is to move to a different country. I’m always here if you need any help about the city, the team, anything, I’m here.”
Speaking to Tonali’s partner, Trippier added: “Especially for you, because my wife struggled in Spain. The quicker you settle, the quicker he settles so that’s the most important thing.”
