The first sign of the Premier League’s return? Newcastle stars undergo coronavirus tests at makeshift drive-through testing stations at their training ground as they prepare to return to group work on Tuesday
- Newcastle United players underwent coronavirus testing on Sunday
- Stars were assessed at Darsley Park before proposed return to training
- Group sessions will begin on Tuesday afternoon if players test negative
- But Steve Bruce fears Toon will suffer unless June 12 restart date is pushed back
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Newcastle players have been taking coronavirus tests ahead of the squad’s proposed return to training on Tuesday.
United stars were spotted arriving at Darsley Park on Sunday, many of whom drove directly towards makeshift testing stations.
Club staff were also seen wearing protective clothing as they welcomed players back to the training ground.
Newcastle staff wore protective masks as they welcomed players back to the training ground
Toon players drove directly towards makeshift testing stations at Darsley Park
Meanwhile, manager Steve Bruce has expressed concerns over Project Restart which would see Premier League matches return in mid-June.
Further details of Project Restart were revealed to the 20 top-flight managers during a video conference call on Wednesday last week and there remains a strong desire to finish the season.
The Premier League is working towards a rough restart date of either June 12 or June 19, however Bruce fears his squad will need more time to reach full match fitness.
Steve Bruce and his team expect to return to full-time training on Tuesday 19 May
Newcastle are among Premier League clubs hoping to play on amid coronavirus pandemic
He told The Sunday Telegraph: ‘Phase one will be mainly fitness work, four or five players on a pitch. Let’s see how we get on.
‘They have had eight weeks off and that is probably the longest break some of these players have had in their careers.
‘If we’re doing pre-season, we would have six weeks and probably have six friendly games to get them ready for the first league match.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has suggested Premier League players won’t be fit enough to restart the season in mid-June and Project Restart needs to be pushed back three weeks
‘So, we need a good stretch of time here to get them ready. Certainly once we get into stage two, that is vitally important.
‘We need enough preparation to get these players into shape or they are just going to fall down like a pack of cards. Most of the manager have the same concerns.
‘We would need at least six weeks. I don’t see how we can play games until the back end of June.’
Newcastle United players pictured in training in early March before the football shutdown