Coronavirus spread could postpone EPL fixture

The Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Newcastle this Friday could be postponed due to an outbreak of coronavirus in the Newcastle United squad.

Head coach Steve Bruce has already cancelled training plans and ordered a deep cleaning of the training ground, which won't be opened till earliest Wednesday.

In an interview, Bruce expressed his concerns saying: "It has been a tough week.

"It is a concern and difficult to manage. We are trying our utmost to make sure we try and stay as safe as we can.

"Of course my concern is not just the welfare of the players, which is vitally important, but my members of staff too. We will do our best but it is difficult at the moment."

Currently, three players have been confirmed and a member of the staff to have contracted the coronavirus.

 The Premier League rules state that top-flight matches should proceed as long as teams have a starting XI plus three substitutes available to them on a match day from both the senior side and the U-23 side.

But if that be the case, Bruce is worried that there won't be enough time to prepare.