Andy Carroll sent to Dubai in bid to recover for Newcastle's derby clash with Sunderland

Andy Carroll has been sent on a winter break to Dubai by Newcastle boss Alan Pardew in a bid to be fit for next weekend's Wear-Tyne derby.The England striker has missed Newcastle's last two games with a thigh injury and also misses tomorrow's trip to Stevenage. A place in the sun: CarrollBut Pardew, who refuses to rule the Gateshead-born talisman out of the Stadium of Light showdown, is hoping the sunshine break will help the striker who has been subject of interest from Tottenham this week.Pardew said: 'I've sent Andy away. He's had a tough season so I've sent him to get some sun for a total rest then he's going to come back next Wednesday and we're going to assess him.'It's an injury that's difficult to judge because it's just a little small tear in his thigh but it's a big muscle. Striking balls is a big problem but he's walking and getting around and feeling no problem. It's when he starts kicking it will cause him a problem and we won't know his chances until next week.'Leon Best, who marked his first Barclays Premier League start with a hat-trick against West Ham on Wednesday, is likely to play at Stevenage after shaking off a heel injury. Tim Krul, Mike Williamson and Nile Ranger are also likely to start against the League Two outfit. Pardew targets second signing and hints at move for wantaway Bentley Tottenham move for Carroll threatens Keane's £7m switch to BirminghamAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Leon Best, Andy Carroll Places: Newcastle, Dubai, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail