Newcastle-Aston Villa match ‘at risk’ after Covid ‘outbreak’
There’s a chance Newcastle United’s match against Aston Villa could be called off following an ‘outbreak’ of Covid-19 at the Magpies’ training ground, according to reports.
The Magpies were without three unnamed players in London after they tested positive for coronavirus while a member of the backroom staff at St James’ Park is also self-isolating.
Despite those absentees, on top of a number of other injury issues, late goals by Callum Wilson and Joelinton at Selhurst Park ensured the visitors responded to back-to-back defeats with a hard-fought win on the road at Crystal Palace.
BIG MIDWEEK: Liverpool v Ajax, Cavani, Arteta, Rooney
However, The Independent claims Newcastle’s clash with Villa on Friday is ‘at risk of postponement after the club’s training ground was closed on Monday due to an outbreak of coronavirus’.
There were more tests carried out over the weekend on Newcastle players and staff and they ‘have produced more positive results’.
The report adds that it’s ‘unclear when the first-team squad will be able to return to training at the club’s Benton headquarters’.
When asked before the weekend about avoiding an outbreak, Bruce said: “It has been a tough week.
“We sincerely hope so. It is very difficult at the minute. We have three confirmed players and unfortunately a member of my staff.
“It is a concern and difficult to manage. We are trying our utmost to make sure we try and stay as safe as we can.
“Of course my concern is not just the welfare of the players, which is vitally important, but my members of staff too. We will do our best but it is difficult at the moment.”
Life begins at 30. So did this lot’s time in the Premier League. Have we missed any golden oldies?
Click Here: New Zealand rugby store