Newcastle United have confirmed that Karl Darlow has tested positive for COVID-19 following testing at the club’s York-based training camp.
As a result, fellow goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Mark Gillespie have been forced to self-isolate for 10 days, along with Darlow, as the pair are deemed to be ‘close contacts’.
This has impacted our plans for tomorrow’s pre-season friendlies against York and Harrogate, with Steve Bruce initially planning to split our first-team squad across the two games.
Now, an Under-23s side will travel to Harrogate Town to ‘minimise mixing between the groups.’
With Dubravka injured, Darlow struck down with COVID and Woodman and Gillespie forced to self-isolate, we’ll be forced to field an U23 goalkeeper in our clash with York City tomorrow – likely to be Dan Langley.
Here’s what Steve Bruce told nufc.co.uk in reaction to the setback:
“Thankfully, everyone else has been tested again and all those test results were negative.
“Because there has been a positive case, a first team group will travel to York on Sunday and the match at Harrogate will now be made up of under 23s players.
“I have spoken to Simon Weaver, who was very understanding, and I would like to apologise to any Harrogate supporters who have bought tickets thinking first team players were coming.
“Ultimately, we have to follow the advice from medical professionals and take proactive steps to protect players and we simply can’t mix up the dressing rooms, which was our initial plan.”
Get well soon, Karl!
