Premier League: Newcastle United players return to training after COVID-19 outbreak at club

Newcastle players were due to return to training on Tuesday following the postponement of last week's match against Aston Villa due to a rise in cases.

United's training headquarters had been closed as a result of the spike, which forced the first postponement of a Premier League fixture this season due to .

The Magpies were due to head for Villa Park on Friday, but were granted permission to reschedule the fixture.

In a statement on Twitter, the Premier League club said: "United's players will train at the Training Centre today following a temporary closure last week due to a rise in cases.

"Those who had tested positive will follow relevant protocols before returning. Thanks for your messages of support to our players and staff."

Players and staff who were tested on Sunday have since undergone another round of checks as medics work to identify the source of the outbreak, with the return of squad members following last month's international break understood to be a focus.

Newcastle United's players will train at the Training Centre today following a temporary closure last week due to a rise in cases.

Those who had tested positive will follow relevant protocols before returning. Thanks for your messages of support to our players & staff. pic.twitter.com/T691yny4MV

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 8, 2020

Newcastle, who are due to face West Brom at St James' Park on Saturday, have not identified those affected or confirmed the number of cases, with speculation that the outbreak may have reached double figures.