Key Newcastle United defender back in training after coronavirus ahead of Leeds United clash

Newcastle's training ground was closed earlier this month after multiple positive test results for COVID-19 within the first-team bubble - including former Napoli and Swansea City defender Fernandez.

Those who tested positive were then required to follow the relevant protocols before returning and Newcastle's clash at Aston Villa was postponed with the club unable to train as a group.

Newcastle's players then returned to the club's Darsley Park base last Tuesday and Saturday's hosting of West Brom went ahead with a depleted Magpies side recording a 2-1 victory.

Centre-back Fernandez was among a host of players missing but Magpies boss Steve Bruce said he hoped to have a couple players back for the Leeds clash and 31-year-old Fernandez has confirmed his return on his Instagram page.

"Nice to be back with the team after recovering from the COVID," he said.

Fernandez had played every minute of every league game so far this season until being forced to miss the West Brom clash.

Like Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa, Fernandez was born in Argentina with the Magpies defender having began his career at Estudiantes.

Fernandez was part of Argentina's World Cup squad in 2014 with the six-foot-three defender having been capped for his country 32 times though having not been involved now for six years.

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Thank you Laura Collins