West Ham’s first opponents of the new Premier League season are suffering with an outbreak of COVID causing problems to their pre-season training schedule.
Up to seven first team Newcastle United players have been forced to self isolate for ten days with three goal keepers out of action.
Newcastle confirmed that goalkeeper Karl Darlow received a positive Covid-19 test result during routine testing at the club’s pre-season training camp near York.
In line with coronavirus protocols, Darlow is required to self-isolate for ten days. Two players – goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman – have been identified as close contacts and are also required to self-isolate for ten days despite receiving negative test results.
The Hammers are due to play the Magpies on Sunday 14th August at St James Park.
Newcastle are yet to make a new signing this summer but the Magpies aren’t alone in the Premier League when it comes to getting a done deal over the line with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Chelsea and Brentford also waiting to make a breakthrough.
Bit premature to say it’s a boost! Who’s to say we won’t have a Covid outbreak once all of our players are back from their holidays!