Premier League stars have been jetting off in search of some winter sun, having been granted a welcome break from the relentless schedule.
But players will need to make the most of a rare rest because when they return they are braced for non-stop action, with fixtures piling up like never before.
This weekend sees a pause in the Premier League as the winter break returns. Top-flight bosses have been keen to keep the full break intact despite it seeming to offer an opportunity to play some of the 22 postponed fixtures.
With an international week looming in March, there will be just 14 weeks left of the season to fulfil the remaining Premier League games.