Steve Bruce issues Covid-19 update at Newcastle United after 'difficult week'

Bruce revealed before last night’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace that three players were self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

United’s head coach didn’t name the players involved, though Isaac Hayden, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth missed the game along with Allan Saint-Maximin, who suffered a calf injury on the eve of the Premier League fixture.

Asked if the outbreak had been contained, Bruce said: “We sincerely hope so. 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 is 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.”

Callum Wilson and Joelinton scored late goals at Selhurst Park, and the result moved the club up to 10th place in the Premier League ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

“I just want to talk about the performance they put in,” said Bruce. “It wasn’t great at times, but you can’t fault their effort, their endeavour. There was a resilience about them which I was absolutely delighted about. It’s been a difficult week, but the lads have responded in the right way.”

On Saint-Maximin, Bruce said: “Allan unfortunately picked up a calf injury. He was complaining about it before training, and then afterwards he wasn’t right.”

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