Steve Bruce explains Dwight Gayle's absence at Newcastle United

The Newcastle United striker wasn’t even on the bench for last night’s 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

And Bruce revealed after the game that the striker had been laid low by illness, though he said it wasn’t Covid-19.

"Dwight’s been struggling with illness,” said United's head coach. “Thankfully, we don’t think it’s Covid-related.”

The defeat to Arsenal left Newcastle seven points above third-bottom Fulham, who have a game in hand.