Steve Bruce has been speaking to the press this morning, offering updates on the fitness front ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Fulham at St James’ Park.
On a positive note, the NUFC boss says there’s no new injuries to report following that 5-2 defeat at Leeds, however he confirms that those who missed out at Elland Road will remained sidelined this weekend.
With that in mind, Fulham will come too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Javier Manquillo – four players who’ve been nowhere to be seen since news of the COVID outbreak.
Bruce also admits that the virus has had a “damaging effect” on some, fearing those struggling the most are still several weeks away from returning.
Elsewhere, Mark Gillespie was back in the squad on Wednesday night, but no word on Paul Dummett and Martin Dubravka suggest both look set to miss out once again this weekend.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say:
“We have no new injury worries.
“We still have four or five missing through illness.
“For some of them it has had a damaging effect, it won’t be a week or two it will be longer than that.
“We hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
“Some are finding it a struggle.
“It’s not just fatigue,”
“They’ve got other symptoms, too. It’s a really difficult one.
“That is my concern as they will have been struggling for a while with it.”
So, the positive news is there’s no new injury niggle to worry about heading into the weekend.
However, it’s not looking good for those who’ve been struck down with Covid, with it appearing as though a few key players will be missing for the entire festive period.
We wish all those hit hard by the virus a speedy recovery and hope to see them back fit and well before too long!
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ASM was seen shopping in Newcastle last week.funny way to self isolate
Keith Roseby(Quote)
in his press conference asked about attacking intent by the team he answers we cant change overnight its work in progress, hes been in charge 16 months yet still comes out with utter garbage, the guy is a prize plum, wish he would go forth and multiply, total d*ckhead
kev the mag(Quote)
Work in progress Steve Bruce’s favourite phrases at what ever club he has been at FACT
Dave(Quote)