It seems that the virus hasn’t completely left the house just yet at Newcastle United.
In his press conference on Tuesday, Steve Bruce has revealed that TWO unnamed players are still “not well at all” after being tested positive for Covid, with two staff members also ill.
The gaffer also had a message for the Toon Army ahead of the festive period, urging fans and families to take no risks after seeing first hand how the “scary” virus can affect young, fit footballers.
Bruce was quoted as saying:
“We’ve got two players in particular who are not well at all, and two members of staff who are still poorly.
“We’re relieved that nobody else has got it but we’re also concerned about the members of staff and two players who it’s having a bad effect on.”
“If you ever underestimated this thing then don’t, because you’re talking about elite professionals here and the way it got a hold of everybody was quite scary stuff,”
“For everybody out there, for goodness’ sake, stay safe.
“I know it’s Christmas but after what we’ve just witnessed then you’ve got to be careful.”
It makes you wonder if the Club should go public and name names? After all, by not naming them then it leads to wild speculation and concern. Then again perhaps anonymity is the right way to go when we’re talking about something so personal.
It certainly seems to effect people in different ways. Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis were both reported as having been in that group that was affected, but both managed to play with vastly contrasting displays. Hayden was outstanding whilst Lewis possibly had his worst game for us.
We know Fernandez is available for tomorrow as well as Fraser but there’s still no sign of Saint-Maximin, Lascelles, Schar or Manquillo to name four and of course on the coaching side, Steve Agnew.
Let’s hope that we get through the next couple of weeks fairly unscathed as we have a few very winnable games which could really propel us forward and give us a second half of the season to look forward too rather than dread.
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