Steve Bruce reveals Ryan Fraser 'concern' at Newcastle United ahead of Crystal Palace fixture

Newcastle United go into tomorrow night’s home game on the back of a convincing 2-0 Premier League win over Everton.

The victory at Goodison Park ended a dismal 11-game run in all competitions without a victory – and eased the pressure on Bruce.

Newcastle’s win, however, came at a cost, and captain Jamaal Lascelles will miss the Palace game after being forced off against Everton with a hamstring injury.

And Bruce – who last week welcomed new assistant Graeme Jones to the club – today revealed that Ryan Fraser had been laid low by sickness over the past 48 hours.

“The concern I’ve got at the moment is, unfortunately, Ryan Fraser,” said United's head coach. “He’s been sick all weekend, and couldn’t make training yesterday.

“Thankfully, we don’t think it’s related to Covid, but obviously it’s a blow for us, because unfortunately he’s been stop-start since the start of the season. Just when he’s getting a flow of games, we’ll have to see how he is today. That’s the only other worry I’ve got at the moment.”

Lascelles, recovering from Covid-19, had a scan today. Bruce said: “It seems to be our problem at the minute. Jamaal and Feddy (Fernandez) have picked up muscle injuries.

“We don’t know if its related to the illness they’ve had, or whatever, but Jamaal’s having a scan today, and I don’t think he’ll make tomorrow.”

Bruce – who welcomed Ciaran Clark back at Everton – has better news on Paul Dummett, who was forced off against Sheffield United last month with a hamstring problem.

“We left him behind, so we could get more work into him at the weekend,” said Bruce. “It’s Sod’s law with our season so far that whenever we get an injury, it seems to be in the same position.

“Ciaran Clark played 45 minutes at Everton, as you know, and Dummy will be available tomorrow night as well.”

Newcastle are 16th in the Premier League table, and eight points ahead of the relegation zone, ahead of the Palace game.

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