What next for Newcastle United as COVID-19 outbreak worsens? Aston Villa Premier League 'call off' possibility explained

It is understood that should the Magpies’ COVID-19 breakout worsen considerably – fears are it could – and the club see fit to request a postponement of Friday night’s fixture, the request would go to the Premier League board for a decision – and would be treated on ‘a case-by-case basis’.

As yet, Newcastle are not understood to have requested the game be called off – but reports suggest they will.

Newcastle United have reportedly seen FIVE players test positive in the last seven days, up from three prior to the Crystal Palace win. It is also reported that TWO coaching staff have also contracted the virus as the outbreak at United continues to worsen.

Some reports have that number as high as 10 positive cases.

A number of mitigating circumstances can be considered when the board make the call on whether to call off the game – one of which is said to be if the outbreak sees a number of players in a specialist position, such as goalkeeper, contract the virus.

But there is understood to be a reluctance on behalf of the Premier League to call off top flight fixtures, especially when club’s can call on players from outside their 25-man squad, provided they are under the age of 21.

Any request to register players outside the 25-man squad but over the age of 21 – such as Christian Atsu, Henri Saivet, Rolando Aarons, Achraf Lazaar, Florent Indalecio and others – would also need to sent to the Premier League board for ratification.

It is not known whether the fact United’s Benton training base is closed, and has been for days, the players have been unable to train and prepare for Friday’s fixture, all are in self-isolation and positive test cases are on the rise will be deemed suitable mitigating factors for the Premier League to agree to call off the game.

It is understood, however, that no number of cases or available players for selection has been set by the Premier League in relation to a call off in COVID-19 procedure and each case will be worked out individually.

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