Steve Bruce provides injury update on Newcastle United trio Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almiron & Ciaran Clark

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

The three were all forced to sit out the weekend loss at Burnley – and Bruce admits it’s touch and go whether they are back in contention for Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“We had 16 players. The 16 players on show (at Burnley) were the only ones who were available. Whether we can get anyone back for Palace, we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Bruce.

“Yes, I mean, we have been patched up and I seen Crystal Palace last night and watched that one (drawing 1-1 at home to Brighton) and they were patched up as well.

“So, I think it is this particular time of year, games comes thick and fast, injuries can be a little bit cruel to you.

“Certainly after looking at Crystal Palace and ourselves at the weekend, we were both dealt a bad deal.

“So hopefully we can get one or two fit and see how we are then.”

The manager admits there were positives to take from his depleted side’s Turf Moor performance, despite not registering a shot on target.

“They’re playing with a great attitude and a real spirit amongst them," he said.

“In difficult conditions, they never gave it up, and they came back and did as much as they could. Considering the players we had missing, we can’t be too down.”