NEWCASTLE winger Allan Saint-Maximin and skipper Jamaal Lascelles have been affected by the long-term results of Covid-19.
The Magpies revealed their identities to quash rumours of a bust-up between the Toon pair and boss Steve Bruce.
Jamaal Lascelles is affected by the long-term results of Covid-19Credit score: PA:Press Affiliation
Neither Saint-Maximin nor Lascelles — together with Javier Manquillo and Fabian Schar — has featured since November 21 following a coronavirus outbreak.
At the very least ten gamers and workers have been affected. And, forward of the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Brentford, Bruce declared: “Sure, we wish to win a cup-tie, however the gamers’ welfare comes first.
“And we’ve received one or two poorly and it might be with them for weeks, months.”
On Friday Bruce revealed the “scary” and “brutal” affect the virus had had on his gamers.
Bruce stated: “You all know who’s struggling and who’s not and, as I stated, one or two are struggling much more.
“They go for a stroll for half an hour after which they wish to return to mattress. It is as brutal as that.
“The fatigue is the one factor that has hit all of them. For 2 of them, it is past that.
Allan Saint-Maximin has not featured for Newcastle since November 21Credit score: Reuters
“We hope there’s mild on the finish of the tunnel, however some are discovering it a battle.
“Fortunately, a few my workers are getting a bit higher, however it’s the after-effects fatigue-wise that’s the massive drawback.”
Maximin yesterday confirmed he had not had any fall-out with Bruce, insisting: “I’ve no drawback with Steve Bruce. I really like this coach.”
When requested if he’s injured, he replied: “No.”
Lascelles watched Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham from the stands.
Isaac Hayden, Federico Fernandez and Emil Krafth have all confirmed they’ve been Covid victims, with Fernandez lasting solely till half-time in opposition to Fulham, affected by “fatigue.”
Bruce stated: “For a few them it’s had a dangerous impact. It’s scary if you suppose they’re younger, match and supreme athletes.”
Isaac Hayden is among the players to have confirmed they were struck down by the virus.
The 25-year-old instructed talkSPORT: “It took me abruptly, to be sincere, how badly it affected me.
“I positively underestimated it.
“I used to be pondering, ‘I’m a younger and wholesome athlete, if I’ve it I’d be asymptomatic and I’d be high quality’.
“But it surely was powerful; I used to be in mattress for seven to 10 days, doing little or no and having just about each symptom going. It was very troublesome.”