Steve Bruce addresses 'hysteria' over Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles at Newcastle United

It was revealed this week that the pair were recuperating after being laid low by the disease, which forced the closure of the club’s training ground after the win over Crystal Palace late last month.

Club sources also dismissed rumours of a rift between Saint-Maximin – who is with family in France – and Bruce.

Speaking after last night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford, head coach Bruce said: “There’s been a lot of hysteria over the two of them.

"Look, it’s been confirmed that they’re not long-term Covid, but it’s obvious, and we’re going by doctors, that they need rest to recover. They’re not quite over the illness, unfortunately. So we just have to bide some time and give them as much time as we can, but I can give you a specific date (for their return).”

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