Steve Bruce reveals three first team stars and a staff member tested POSITIVE for Covid-19 before win over Crystal Palace as Newcastle boss admits keeping control of the virus is ‘very difficult’
- Newcastle struck two late goals to beat hosts Crystal Palace on Friday evening
- Four in the Newcastle camp did not travel down for the match at Selhurst Park
- Manager Steve Bruce admitted keeping control of the virus is ‘very difficult’
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has confirmed three of his players and one staff member tested positive for Covid-19 before the Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies grabbed all three points with a late show at Selhurst Park, scoring twice in the final three minutes via Callum Wilson and Joelinton to win 2-0.
The four positive cases did not travel down to London, and Bruce stated his hope that the club’s measures would control the outbreak.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce confirmed three players and one staff member tested positive
None of Newcastle’s four positive cases travelled to Selhurst Park for Friday evening’s match
He said: ‘We sincerely hope so. It is very difficult at the minute. We have three confirmed players and unfortunately a member of my staff.
‘It has been a tough week.
‘It is a concern and difficult to manage. We are trying our utmost to make sure we try and stay as safe as we can.
‘Of course my concern is not just the welfare of the players, which is vitally important, but my members of staff too. We will do our best but it is difficult at the moment.’
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson marked his return to the side with the first of two late goals
Fellow forward Joelinton scored in the 90th minute for his first goal involvement in 16 games
Bruce, who managed the Eagles for 18 games in 2001, was without key attacking presence Allan Saint-Maximin with a calf injury.
Sportsmail reported on Friday morning that Bruce was thinking of dropping the 23-year-old after inconsistent form since signing a new six-year contract in October.
But they had no issues with creativity, with seven shots on target – more than double that of Palace – and a goal and assist each for striking duo Wilson and Joelinton.
The £40million Brazilian Joelinton ended a barren run of 16 matches without a goal involvement.
The result helped Newcastle overtake Palace and move into 10th place, while Roy Hodgson’s side fall to 13th.
