Jonjo Shelvey has returned to training ahead of Newcastle United's important clash with Burnley.
Elsewhere, Arsenal's teenage sensation Bukayo Saka has made a surprising revelation over his childhood support for the Magpies.
Here are your top Newcastle United stories for February 27.
Shelvey's back
Jonjo Shelvey made a return to Newcastle United training this week as the Magpies prepared for Saturday's crucial Premier League clash with Burnley at St James' Park.
The midfielder has been out since United's win over Chelsea in January - the last time Steve Bruce's side picked up three league points.
Shelvey was joined by fellow returnee Javier Manquillo for the session in the early spring sunshine, which saw the players warm up with a game of 'boxes'.
Manquillo has been out of action since the 3-0 home defeat to Leicester on New Year's Day, and if fit, could challenge DeAndre Yedlin for the right wing-back spot following Valentino Lazaro's red card at Crystal Palace.
Clark ruled out
Ciaran Clark’s worst fears have been confirmed after his season was curtailed early.
An ankle injury sustained in the 4-0 defeat at Arsenal two weeks ago after a collision with Bukayo Saka means Clark is unlikely to figure again for Newcastle United this term.
Clark’s absence is a major blow for Newcastle with Federico Fernandez, Florian Lejeune and Fabian Schar set to battle for the right to play alongside Jamaal Lascelles.
Saka's Magpies' admission
Young Arsenal left-back Bukayo Saka has taken the Premier League by storm this season.
The 18-year-old has become one of the most talked about young stars in the league after a string of impressive performances.
He made headlines during the Gunners' 4-0 win over Newcastle earlier this month, nutmegging Valentino Lazaro before teeing up Nicolas Pepe for a simple finish, in a clip that went viral on social media.
There is even talk of the young star making a late push for Gareth Southgate's England squad for EURO 2020, after he has impressed under both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium this term.
Saka has made 26 appearances in all competitions this term and made his first Premier League start at Old Trafford away to Manchester United.
And that day evoked memories of his childhood, as he revealed his dad was a big Newcastle fan and had actually taken Saka to Old Trafford as an eight-year-old.
Team bonding session
Federico Fernandez organised a barbecue at Newcastle United's training ground to mark his birthday and bring players and staff together ahead of a huge game against Burnley at the weekend.
The centre-back turned 31 last week and arranged for Parrilla Gaucha UK to come to Benton after training on Tuesday to prepare an authentic asado (barbecue) featuring Argentinian beef, provoleta (cheese) and other delicacies from his homeland.
Newcastle's Spanish speakers have hosted a number of barbecues at their homes in recent years, which have helped to strengthen their bond off the field. Last season's crop were particularly close but Salomon Rondon , Ayoze Perez , Joselu , Mohamed Diame and Kenedy have since left the club.
In an effort to tap into the team spirit that has served this group so well, Fernandez wanted to gather everyone together as the Magpies look to end a run of just one win in nine league games against in-form Burnley on Saturday.
Dyche's verdict on Magpies
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is unsure how Newcastle United will approach their upcoming clash given their recent form.
Magpies' boss Steve Bruce is expected to make changes for Saturday's encounter following a poor run which has yielded just one win in nine Premier League matches.
A strike from Chris Wood was enough to settle the contest at Turf Moor in December but despite United's recent poor form, Dyche still expects a "competitive" encounter.
Mick Quinn's column
Here's the latest from former United number nine Mick Quinn - insisting it is time for Steve Bruce to read the riot act.
"United made a bang average team - who came in on the back of three defeats - look like world beaters.
"It's embarrassing when the fans are paying that money to go all the way to London, and then trudge back after a below-par performance - so I think it's definitely time for a change.
"We've got to look like we're going to score a goal."
Pardew's Dutch nightmare
It has been two months since former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew took over Dutch side ADO Den Haag.
The 58-year-old was tasked of reviving the fortunes of the Hague outfit with them struggling at the wrong end of the Eredivisie table.
Pardew brought with him former Charlton and Huddersfield manager and current England first-team coach Chris Powell as his assistant manager as he looked to kickstart a managerial career that was on the slide following a poor spell in charge of West Bromwich Albion.
Despite winning his first game in charge, De Residentieclub are without a win in their last five matches and remain in the relegation zone.
And he is facing a chaotic situation after angry fans stormed the club's training ground this week.
