Two more at the Magpies test positive
NEWCASTLE United’s preparations for their trip to Aston Villa have already been disrupted after two further employees returned positive COVID-19 tests over the weekend.
Head coach Steve Bruce previously confirmed three individuals, including a firstteamer who would have played, had been self-isolating ahead of the Magpies’ win against Crystal Palace on Friday night.
Now, it has emerged another two employees, whose names have not been publicised out of respect, have tested positive for COVID-19.
It is not exactly clear when the original outbreak happened at the training ground and whether it was a result of players being away on international duty, but the club have seen a rise in cases in the last two weeks.
Newcastle have had the same protocols in place for eight months, which had been working well, but Bruce previously admitted he was ‘a bit anxious’ as the Magpies tried to manage the outbreak.
He said: “We are trying our utmost to make sure we try and stay as safe as we can.
“My concern is not only the welfare of the players in this, which is vitally important, but my members of staff too, which is vitally important for everyone.
“We will do our best but it is difficult at the moment, that is for sure.”
Newcastle were without the injured Allan Saint-Maximin, Jamaal Lascelles and Andy Carroll against Palace while Isaac Hayden and Emil Krafth were also not included in the match day squad.
With the outbreak affecting members of Bruce’s staff, too, Ben Dawson has filled in - the club’s head of coaching sitting on the bench against Chelsea and Palace.