Newcastle United are set to take part in an unprecedented Premier League season as the campaign splits in two for the World Cup finals in Qatar.
The members of Eddie Howe's squad that aren't at the World Cup will get a mix of rest and recuperation and "off season" style training to keep them fully fit for what will be a demanding second half of the campaign.
The Magpies' last fixture before the international players head off to the Middle East will be a home clash with Chelsea at St James' Park. When the sides resume play they will also enjoy the benefit of an extra period of rest with one of the festive fixture slots scrapped.
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A Premier League statement read today: "This season has been adjusted to accommodate the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will take place in the middle of the domestic calendar.
"Match round 16 - played over the weekend of 12-13 November - will be the last set of games ahead of the call-up period for the tournament, which begins on Monday 14 November.
"The League will resume on Boxing Day following the FIFA World Cup Final, which takes place on Sunday 18 December 2022. Special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the three festive match rounds. This will allow squads greater time to recover. Previously clubs were given a minimum of 48 hours between matches."
Boxing Day fixtures will be played on 26 and 27 December, with the following match round played across 29, 30, 31 December. The New Year match round will be played on the 2, 3, 4 and 5 January.
