Newcastle United issue 22-word statement

The Premier League game has been in doubt following the outbreak of Covid-19 cases at the club which led to last week’s fixture against Aston Villa being postponed.

However, United’s players returned to training yesterday in small groups. And today the squad, minus those who are still self-isolating following positive tests in the last 10 days, were back in “full-group training”.

A statement on Twitter read: “The #NUFC squad return to full group training this afternoon following last week's temporary closure due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.”

The outbreak at the club saw last week’s game against Aston Villa postponed. Newcastle’s training ground was closed all last week. The facility, which was deep cleaned following the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace late last month, was reopened following talks involving Public Health England and the Premier League.

United’s players had a further round of Covid-19 tests on Tuesday.

Steve Bruce last spoke about the situation at the club following the Palace game, which came after he admitted three players – and one member of staff – had tested positive.

“Look, it’s very difficult at the moment,” said Newcastle’s head coach. “We’ve got three confirmed players, and, unfortunately, a member of my staff. So, of course, it’s a concern, and difficult to manage.

"We’re trying our utmost to safe as safe as we can. My concern isn’t just the welfare of the players, which is vitally important, it’s members of my staff too. We’ll do our best, but it’s difficult at the moment.”

A new date is yet to be arranged for the Villa game.

Newcastle are 13th in the Premier League table, with 14 points from 10 games, ahead of the fixture against second-bottom West Brom, whose manager, Slaven Bilic, is under pressure following the newly-promoted club’s poor start to the campaign.

Bilic said: “To be fair, I’d like to play that game, not because there’s a chance that they’ll not be fully fit for that game, but because having a game in hand sounds good – if you’re at the top of the table.

“If you’re lacking points, it affects the table and the table affects your mentality, it affects the media, it affects the confidence.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of NUFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor