Newcastle United were back in training on New Year's Day ahead of their opening clash of 2021 against Leicester City.
Steve Bruce's side battled to earn a draw against league leaders Liverpool in their last outing with a much improved performance.
However, the latest festive assignment does not get any easier for the Magpies, with the Foxes aiming to close the gap to the summit.
Brendan Rodgers' side fought back to earn draws against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, and boast a fine recent record against United.
Bruce has confirmed he will still be without captain Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin due to their ongoing recoveries from Covid-19.
However, the Magpies were still able to welcome a number of players back into training ahead of Sunday's match-up at St James' Park.
Here's what we learned from United's training gallery on New Year's Day:
Fraser and Lascelles in training
Bruce has confirmed Lascelles and Ryan Fraser will both be unavailable this weekend.
However, it is still good to see the pair back and involved in training following their recent absences through Covid-19 and injury respectively.
Fraser made his return in the defeat at Leeds last month, but picked up a calf injury in the Carabao Cup loss at Brentford.
Hendrick in contention?
Isaac Hayden's suspension has opened up a space in the Magpies engine room alongside the in-form Matty Longstaff.
Hendrick hasn't featured for the Magpies since scoring at Elland Road on December 16, and has often featured in a wide role since signing in the summer.
However, the Republic of Ireland international could be in line for a first-team recall along with Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey.
Forgotten men feature
Christian Atsu and Henri Saivet were all smiles during the session judging by the latest pictures - despite both being frozen out of the first-team picture.
Ghana international Atsu joined the likes of Saivet, Rolando Aarons and Achraf Lazaar on the transfer list this summer, with all four omitted from United's Premier League squad.
However, it would be hard to tell that from the latest round of pictures and the pair continue to be involved in Bruce's training sessions.
Anderson impressing
Elliot Anderson's rise through the ranks this season shows no signs of slowing anytime soon, and the 18-year-old continues to take part in first-team training.
Anderson committed his long-term future to the Magpies in November with a new deal, and Bruce is confident the prospect has a "bright future" at the club.
The NUFC notebook understands the teenager is in contention to feature in the upcoming FA Cup third-round tie at Arsenal.
