Some Newcastle players ‘still struggling’ from impact of Covid
NEWCASTLE United boss Steve Bruce admits some of his players are still not 100 per cent following an outbreak of Covid-19 in the camp, writes Andy Turner.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Leicester City at St James’ Park, the 60-year-old manager revealed the true extent of the Magpies’ recent outbreak.
Bruce said at one stage there were 18 players and staff members who were struggling with the virus, forcing the Premier League to postpone their trip to Aston Villa in early December.
United returned to face West Bromwich Albion and won 2-1 but did do with Covid still affecting a host of players and the victory left staff delighted given the major complications in the build-up to the fixture.
The Premier League insist there have been no talks about taking a break during the recent surge in coronavirus cases and that the show must go on in the top-flight.
Bruce was asked for his views on a potential circuit breaker in the Premier League given the number of postponements that have followed Newcastle’s postponed trip to Villa Park.
“The protocols that have been put in place by the Premier League have worked fantastically well and everybody has tried to adhere to it the best they can,” said Bruce.
“I am witness to it, this thing can quickly grab a hold of any environment the way it did with us.
“We’d been going along very nicely month after month after month then all of a sudden we have one or two, then two became 12 and 12 became 18 in a short period of time.
“So I am no scientist or doctor, but I think we have to monitor it and be sensible about it because if the trend in the Premier League starts to rise I hope people will understand.”
He added: “The vast majority of the players it just washes over. But we have one or two that are still struggling with it and some who are playing aren’t 100 per cent.
“I have staff who have been really sick with it. We have to put the welfare of the players first. If doctors think that (a break) is a good idea I will go with that advice.”