Newcastle United handed double boost ahead of Leeds United clash with Covid outbreak 'overcome'

Newcastle United have been handed a double boost ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash with Leeds United.

The Magpies visit Elland Road in midweek and head coach Steve Bruce has seen his squad bolstered by the return of defender Federico Fernandez and winger Ryan Fraser.

Fernandez had been missing due to a positive coronavirus test while Fraser picked up a hamstring problem last month.

Bruce admitted ahead of the game against the Whites that he will make changes with a number of players suffering from fatigue following the recent closure of the club's training ground due to a coronavirus outbreak among players and staff.

"Fernández has tested negative and he is back," Bruce told his pre-match press conference.

"The big thing we are seeing from Saturday [against West Brom] is fatigue so we'll see how they are but I'm going to make changes. Ryan Fraser is fully fit and ready to go.

"I am looking at the three or four who played at the weekend. With that in mind I will look to make two or three changes.

"He [Fraser] will be involved. He has trained for the past week and a bit.

"He has been interrupted because of the training ground closure. He is fully fit and like a new signing for us."

Bruce's side returned to action with a victory over West Brom on Saturday after seeing their top flight game with Aston Villa postponed.

The Covid-19 outbreak, though, appears to be under control in the North East after a period of self-isolation for the Magpies.

"Thankfully, we've all tested negative," Bruce said.

"That's three negative over the last six days so it does seem like we've overcome it.

"The crucial thing was shutting down the training ground and it's paid dividends."

Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden was forced to play in defence against the Baggies, and Bruce says it is a possibility that he will line up there once again at Leeds.

"I thought the performance of Isaac was terrific," he added.

"It gives me food for thought. It's a silver lining. We will see how he is.

"He is our fittest player at the club and shows this thing has no boundaries."