With the final international break of the calendar year over and done with, Newcastle United are gearing up for a return to Premier League action against Aston Villa on Monday night.
Steve Bruce’s side find themselves in a healthy position in the table going into the weekend, with back-to-back victories over West Ham and Bournemouth propelling the Magpies up to 13th – just two points shy of fifth-placed Sheffield United.
Although skipper Jamaal Lascelles will be missing until the New Year and Ciaran Clark is a doubt for the trip, United supporters will be boosted by the sight of Florian Lejeune and Fabian Schär both looking primed for a return to first-team action.
The pair were among those who trained at the Magpies’ Benton base on Thursday morning, and club photographer Serena Taylor was there to bring nufc.co.uk this exclusive gallery of images…