The Magpies will once again be without a number of unnamed players for Saturday ‘s home game against Fulham as a result of the the tragic effects of the Covid-19 revolution, which forced the club to close their training ground at the end of last month.
Defender Federico Fernandez and midfielder Isaac Hayden have returned to the fold last week but some of their players have been less fortunate.
“We’ve had the full range, “said Bruce.”We have headaches, sores, oral sores, odorless, tasteless – but the big thing, of course, and which is a cause for concern, is the welfare of one or two or three.
“It’s not good at all. We’re still going to be weeks and long-term Covid is something you wouldn’t think was possible in young, fit athletes. Unfortunately, it’s so good.”
The head of Newcastle said that the most worrying element was a matter of great concern.
“They go for a walk for half an hour and then they want to go back to bed, “he said.” It’s as brutal as that. It has been very difficult. It’s been a difficult week or two. “
Two members of Bruce’s squad were hit particularly hard by the virus, and the 59-year-old admits their situation shows just how bad the situation is.
He said: “My thoughts are with both players, and the interest of them. It’s scary when you consider that they are young and healthy and quite senior athletes.
“If anyone needs to be reminded of how bad this is, we’ve seen it.”