Newcastle United players have been told not to expect a relaxing break during the World Cup later this year - despite a six week gap in the fixture list while the tournament unfolds in Qatar.
Meticulous Toon head coach Eddie Howe is preparing for a "second pre-season" with the prospect of warm weather training back on the agenda in November and December. United will break up for the World Cup after their home game with Chelsea on November 12.
And fans won't see them in Premier League action again until Boxing Day for the trip to Leicester City. The Premier League have already told teams they can stage friendly matches during the break.
Looking ahead to the six week gap, Howe said: "I think it will be the same for every team, it will be a unique season. Usually you get a rhythm and the international breaks break that rhythm.
"This is a big gap and of course we will lose players during the World Cup and it's a different dynamic as well. We will probably enter a season where we will do another pre-season for the first time ever.
"We're not going to give the players off right in the middle of the season so it will be interesting to see how that affects things. We will plan, prepare and use the break to our advantage."
Howe is likely to see stars like Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes and England's Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope called up for their countries while Fabian Schar also Qatar-bound with Switzerland and Callum Wilson also in contention with the Three Lions.
Howe said: "I do not think we will lose as many players as other clubs. But we will certainly lose some players. How many? That's in the hands of international managers, I can't have that responsibility as well."
The break may also come at an ideal time for Jonjo Shelvey when the midfielder will be nearing fitness again after suffering a hamstring injury. The news was a major blow for Shelvey who had looked in superb shape for pre-season before getting injured in the 3-2 loss at Benfica.
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