Newcastle United's players return to training after Covid-19 tests amid fears of more infections

Steve Bruce revealed last week that there had been a number of positive Covid-19 tests at the club ahead of Friday night’s game against Crystal Palace, which his side won 2-0.

Bruce said that three unnamed players – and one member of staff – were self-isolating after routine testing at the club picked up infections.

Allan Saint-Maximin missed the game with a calf injury, while Jamaal Lascelles, Isaac Hayden and Emil Krafth were not involved at Selhurst Park, where 18-year-old Elliot Anderson was on the bench.

The Daily Telegraph yesterday reported that two more members of the first-team squad had tested positive ahead of Friday night’s game against Aston Villa at Villa Park, and there are fears that more players and staff members could have been infected.

However, Premier League fixtures will not be postponed due to Covid-19 infections unless there are 14 or fewer first-team players available to play.

Newcastle’s squad and non-playing staff were tested yesterday ahead of today’s session. There was no planned training session over the weekend following the Palace game, which was decided by goals from Callum Wilson and Joelinton.

Speaking after the fixture, head coach Steve Bruce said: “Look, it’s very difficult at the moment. 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.”

All Premier League clubs must follow strict protocols which were drawn up before the summer’s restart.

United’s players – who use an specially-designed app to log their temperatures and any coronavirus symptoms – are temperature tested when they arrive at the club's training ground.

Newcastle have not commented on the latest reported infections.

However, the situation is understood to be under constant review, and United’s players, already subject to weekly Covid-19 tests, are likely to be tested again in the coming days.

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