Jamaal Lascelles is confident he will return to training imminently after his bout of coronavirus.
Newcastle revealed yesterday that club skipper Lascelles and star man Allan Saint-Maximin have both been among the eight Newcastle players who suffered from COVID19.
Both players consented to their medical condition being disclosed after unfounded rumours they'd had a bust up with boss Steve Bruce.
The Newcastle skipper was fit and well enough to watch his team mates draw against Fulham on Saturday night.
Lascelles is clear of the virus and is waiting for the all-clear from medics this week after a series of tests to show he's fully fit.
He has told friends he now feels fine and wants to be involved in the new year programme. He was hit with flu like symptoms but didn't have a cough.
Bruce has spoken of the toll COVID has taken on his players.
The outbreak started three or four weeks ago and medics will keep monitoring all the players' vital signs to make sure they are fit to resume full training.
Saint Maximin has not yet attended games, and has denied that his absence is anything to do with the rumoured bust-up, saying: "I have no problem with Steve Bruce, the club or the fans."
Javier Manquillo and Fabian Schar have also been out of the first team picture recently.
Bruce is preparing his side for a Carabao Cup quarter final against Brentford on Tuesday evening.
He said of his squad fitness: "I think the big problem we've got has been well-documented with the illness unfortunately.
"As we speak, numbers are still far too high and they're big players for us.
"It's difficult, of course, but we've just got to try and manage it as best we can and be sensible and take the advice, which the medical people can tell us and see where we can get to."
.jpg?w=600)
