According to Luke Edwards, the COVID-19 outbreak currently engulfing Newcastle United is the worst experienced by a Premier League club yet.
With the game against Aston Villa called off and suggestions the same could happen to the West Brom clash, news from the Guardian did at least emerge yesterday signalling some hope Steve Bruce could field a team against the Baggies.
Still, this is obviously a deeply concerning situation.
Not a single other side have had to deal with an outbreak of this magnitude. Given Newcastle as a city is in the highest tier of the government’s restrictions, an investigation into how the virus has entered the squad to such a degree must be conducted when everyone is healthy and it is safe to do so.
Even if the game does go ahead, what sort of team would be available? West Brom, while struggling, have proven capable of beating weaker sides this season such as Sheffield United. Would a Newcastle reserve team really be stronger than the Blades?
Should Newcastle sign Boulaye Dia?
Stick with Dwight Gayle
Sign Boulaye Dia
The situation is a real mess and though contracting this awful virus is unavoidable, the fact no one else in the Premier League has to deal with it at this scale must be investigated.
As ever, Newcastle remain quiet in their communication with no guarantee as to which way the decision for the weekend will go just yet.
Why the awful training ground at Newcastle certainly won’t be helping! Read about it here…