Magpies boss Bruce hopeful for reinforcements

NEWCASTLE manager Steve Bruce is hopeful they will have some players back for tonight’s trip to Sheffield United, but urged caution with captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The Magpies skipper made his first appearance since November 21 when he started the 2-0 loss at Arsenal last weekend.

Lascelles had not played in six weeks after he tested positive for coronavirus and struggled to regain fitness following his battle with the virus.

While the centre-back started at the Emirates on Saturday, he had to be withdrawn at half-time and may not be ready to feature against the Blades, who are bottom and without a Premier League win this season.

“We hope we can get a few bodies back,” Bruce said.

“It was let’s see how Jamaal goes and that is what we are all stabbing in the dark about. It is not a groin strain or a hamstring, it is the after effects of what he has had.

“We played it by ear to see how much he could continue and to be fair to the lad you could see he was out on his feet at half-time. We brought a certain freshness in and it will be good that he has got 45 minutes under his belt.”

United boss Chris Wilder, meanwhile, would not be surprised if the Premier League season was suspended again as cases of coronavirus continue to rise across the country.

Asked if he thought the season would be completed, Wilder said: “I don’t think anyone would be surprised (if it wasn’t). But I’ve said all the way through that I want to come into work and play games.”