Newcastle United issue COVID statement ahead of potential Premier League return against West Brom

Newcastle United have confirmed their players have today returned to their Benton training centre more than a week after the Darsley Park site was closed down to a COVID-19 outbreak.
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And with the group now back – those who have returned negative coronavirus tests – the prospect of the Magpies resuming their Premier League season this weekend remains, at this stage, alive.

Newcastle United are due to host Slaven Bilic’s West Brom at St James’s Park on Saturday.

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Last weekend’s trip to Aston Villa was called off after United reportedly returned significant numbers of positive tests among the playing and coaching staff.

General view inside the stadium as the Newcastle United players warm up prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St. James Park on October 03, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.General view inside the stadium as the Newcastle United players warm up prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St. James Park on October 03, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
General view inside the stadium as the Newcastle United players warm up prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St. James Park on October 03, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

As a result the club’s training base was closed down while the source of the outbreak was investigated and the spread contained.

Today, the Magpies issued a statement confirming the players were allowed back to train.

“Newcastle United's players will train at the Training Centre today following a temporary closure last week due to a rise in Covid-19 cases,” the statement read.

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“Those who had tested positive will follow relevant protocols before returning. Thanks for your messages of support to our players & staff.”

Newcastle United’s players have not been in action since Friday, November 27 – the club’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Three players and one member of staff returned positive tests prior to that fixture, with that number quickly escalating in post-match tests.

It has been reported their have been up to 14 positive tests in United’s footballing bubble the last week or so – that number, however, is yet to be officially confirmed.