NEWCASTLE boss Steve Bruce confirmed THREE Toon players and one member of staff tested positive for Covid-19 before the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Bruce’s Newcastle side left it late to overcome Roy Hodgson’s Palace on Friday night.
Callum Wilson finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute before Joelinton secured the three points two minutes later.
None of the four individuals were involved in the match and manager Bruce is hopeful his side managed to isolate the virus from the rest of his Newcastle squad.
He said: “It has been a tough week.”
When asked about avoiding an outbreak, Bruce replied: “We sincerely hope so. It is very difficult at the minute. We have three confirmed players and unfortunately a member of my staff.
“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.”
The game at Selhurst Park had looked destined for a goalless stalemate until Joelinton’s neat flick set Wilson away on goal and the former Bournemouth man slotted the ball through Vicente Guaita’s legs.
Wilson – returning from a hamstring injury – then returned the favour by turning provider and assisting his Brazilian team-mate.
Joelinton had missed a number of chances earlier in the game but finally found the net when his shot deflected in off former Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill.
The late strike ended a miserable run of 16 games without a Premier League goal or assist for Bruce’s No9.
Newcastle leapfrogged Palace into tenth place in the Prem ahead of the remaining fixtures this weekend.
