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      Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles subbed at half-time vs Arsenal after missing seven weeks with long Covid

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      JAMAAL LASCELLES played 45 minutes of Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on his first appearance since recovering from long Covid.
      The Toon skipper had not featured for Steve Bruce’s side since November 21 after being struck down by the virus.

      Jamaal Lascelles played 45minutes for Newcastle after returning from long CovidCredit: EPA

      He returned to training on Christmas Eve and was considered ready to start at the Emirates Stadium after a seven-week absence.
      But Lascelles picked up an early booking for a challenge on Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson before being replaced by winger Matt Ritchie at half time.
      Lascelles’ return to action was a positive for Newcastle, who will have to put their FA Cup hopes on ice for another season.
      The third-round tie went to extra time before Emile Smith Rowe displayed his quality with a fine finish to break the deadlock.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late tap-in from Kieran Tierney’s cross ensured the holders progressed with a 2-0 win.
      Newcastle had to close their training ground in November after a coronavirus outbreak.
      Their Premier League clash against Aston Villa, originally scheduled for December 4, had to be postponed as a result.
      Newcastle revealed Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin were suffering from the long-term effects of Covid-19 to quash rumours of a bust-up between the pair and Bruce.

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      The Toon boss outlined the impact the virus had had on his players and staff last month.
      Bruce said: “You all know who is struggling and who’s not and, as I said, one or two are struggling even more.
      “They go for a walk for half an hour and then they want to go back to bed. It’s as brutal as that.
      “The fatigue is the one thing that has hit them all. For two of them, it’s beyond that.

      “We hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel, but some are finding it a struggle.
      “Thankfully, a couple of my staff are getting a bit better, but it’s the after-effects fatigue-wise that is the big problem.”
      Saint-Maximin was not part of Newcastle’s squad for the FA Cup tie.

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      West Ham boss David Moyes tells critics to stop picking on Covidiot footballers and throwing stones in glass houses

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      DAVID MOYES says it is time to lay off footballers during the Covid crisis – claiming critics are hypocrites who don’t understand the risks stars are taking.
      West Ham boss Moyes is fed up with politicians and others lining up to call for stars who have flouted national guidelines to be seriously punished when most of them are breaking rules themselves.

      West Ham boss David Moyes has defended Covidiot footballersCredit: Rex Features

      Manuel Lanzini – along with three Spurs players – were pictured flouting coronavirus rules at a Christmas party

      And he has launched a passionate defence of professionals across the country who are working to a higher standard of testing and regulations just to ensure the country still has something to cheer about.
      Moyes said: “If we’re going to take tough measures on the players then you might as well take them on the government people as well who broke the rules, because it’s certainly not just football players who’ve done it.
      “A lot of people are throwing stones in glass houses at the moment.
      “We’ve just got to be careful that everybody isn’t picking on football players, because we’ll all know people who are breaking the rules in their own way.

      “You have to look that the general population numbers going up. In the boroughs of London round here the numbers are extremely high – and that’s certainly not down to football players.”
      Hammers ace Manuel Lanzini was among a group of Premier League stars who were exposed for breaking coronavirus guidelines by partying with others over the festive season.
      Lanzini was disciplined by the club and has since volunteered to make a donation to the local foodbanks having sat down and understood why his behaviour was wrong.
      Moyes says mistakes are going to happen, but insists for the most part footballers have been going the extra mile for almost a year just to continue playing.

      We’ve just got to be careful that everybody isn’t picking on football players, because we’ll all know people who are breaking the rules in their own way
      David Moyes

      He added: “Manuel Lanzini understood he made a mistake. He’s apologised for it, he’s made a donation to the food banks for what he’s done and I think it was a really good gesture.
      “But I think there’s a lot of people out there who’re claiming that things should be different and I think the players are doing a remarkable job to keep football going, keeping playing.
      “Now and again they will make mistakes. There’s no doubt about that.
      “But we have to remember the players are the ones who are taking risks every week. They continue playing, they have to go back to their families.
      “So we have to say that the players are the ones who are really out there taking a lot of risks and even though they are tested and we’re all tested regular, it’s still a big risk.
      “They all want to do it and we know the protocols, we know exactly what it is and in the main the players have been very good and adhered to the protocols for the best part of a year.
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      “Every day at the training ground they have to get through rituals to make sure that they get in the building, never mind anything else, so the players are very much aware of what their job is, and like most human beings at times they can make their wrong decision.
      “Players are in a position where we have to make sure that we do the right thing. But again the players take a lot of risks, they play at the weekend, they play midweeks, you have to travel, you have to stay in hotels, they have to go by bus they have to be around these.
      “And what they’re trying to do is put on performances for supporters and people who are watching the games at home.”

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      Premier League issue new Covid rules including no hugging and random spot-checks for stars after lockdown breaches

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      PREMIER League clubs have been ordered to enforce a new Covid clampdown – or face the consequences.
      SunSport revealed last week that League chiefs were drafting a new, enhanced set of regulations over fears that clubs were ignoring the protocols that had allowed Project Restart last summer.

      Players are being asked to calm down goal celebrations under new coronavirus guidelinesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rule breaches such as Benjamin Mendy’s New Year’s Eve party will be clamped down on

      And now League bosses have written to all 20 clubs with the new rules, making clear sanctions will follow for breaches.
      Under the revised instructions, clubs were warned they will face action for Covidiocy by their players – such as the outrageous breaches by players at Spurs, West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Manchester City in recent weeks.
      And players were also informed they must not shake hands, hug each other in celebrations or swap shirts after games.
      Prem chiefs have ordered clubs to conduct full investigations of the Christmas floutings, although the majority of players involved have already been carpeted and fined.

      And in the email to clubs, League bosses laid down the law for the first time since the summer when the protocols were agreed with the Government and scientific experts.
      Those regulations demand players wear masks at ALL times on match-day other than when they are playing, engaged in warm-up sessions and giving socially-distanced post-match interviews.

      Clubs must now ensure they follow instructions to transport first-team players and staff to matches in three separate coaches.
      In addition, all external staff working for travel services or in hotels used for stays must have returned negative Covid tests, while each club must submit a risk-assessed travel plan to the League for every game.

      Amid suggestions that too many hangers-on have been accessing grounds on match days, clubs have again been ordered to ensure they each have a maximum of 10 representatives in directors’ boxes.
      At training ground, indoor meetings will be banned unless they are fully socially-distanced, with canteens banned other than on matchdays the previous day.
      And clinical passports will be required by players and staff at training ground, with Prem-appointed compliance officers having the right to ask for spot-checks of credentials.
      The League said: “It is vital to ensure public, government and stakeholder confidence in the training and matchday protocols that individual transgressions by relevant persons are appropriately investigated and sanctioned by clubs.
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      “Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the league individually against the relevant person, where appropriate (for example, where his or her conduct brings the league into disrepute) and/or against the club (where the relevant person’s conduct constitutes a breach of the training protocol).”
      With Aston Villa having followed Newcastle, Manchester City, Fulham and Sheffield United in suffering serious virus outbreaks, League bosses also promised official investigations into future contagions.
      The League added: “If there is evidence of an outbreak within the club’s relevant persons, it may instigate an investigation to determine, where possible, the causes of the outbreak and to identify any mitigating actions that should be taken.”

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      EFL confirm 112 coronavirus cases from 66 clubs as new Covid-19 strain rips through English football

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      THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE has confirmed 112 cases of coronavirus among 66 clubs competing in this weekend’s FA Cup third round.
      The positive tests came back from Championship, League One and League Two teams still in the competition, which has been marred by an increase in cases.

      This weekend’s FA Cup third round has been hit by a rise in coronavirus casesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Some 3,507 players and staff were tested and confirmed cases have been told to self-isolate for ten days.
      Coronavirus has ripped through the third round with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby reporting outbreaks within squads.
      All three teams are expected to play youth sides in their weekend games, although positive tests in the Shrewsbury camp has led to their match with Southampton being postponed.
      If games cannot be completed amid a congested fixture schedule, reports suggest teams suffering outbreaks could be kicked out of the competition.

      This round of EFL tests does not include Premier League teams, which reported 12 new cases from 984 tests between January 1 and 3.
      League bosses have stated their confidence in coronavirus protocols amid the rise of a new, highly-infectious variant of the disease across the UK.

      The EFL’s Medical Advisors Dr Richard Higgins and Dr Subhashis Basu said in a statement: “Today’s results reflect the current speed at which the virus is spreading amid the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19.
      “But the low reported numbers across the overwhelming majority of clubs means we remain confident that our protocols continue to mitigate against the spread of infection as intended.

      “The protocols, supported by the clubs and government, are allowing us to continue playing fixtures as scheduled but we cannot be complacent.
      “Which is why recently enhanced matchday and non-matchday Covid protocols have been issued to underpin the re-introduction of a League wide testing programme which commences next week.
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      “Medical advice continues to support that following these protocols is the most successful route to mitigating against the spread of infection.”
      The remaining six EFL clubs not involved in the FA Cup third round will be tested ahead of their next fixtures.
      From next Monday, all 72 Football League clubs will be tested twice a week.

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      AFC Wimbledon set to turn new Plough Lane stadium into coronavirus vaccine centre to help UK rollout

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      AFC WIMBLEDON are set to convert part of their brand-new Plough Lane stadium into a Covid-19 vaccination centre.
      The Dons officially moved back to the site after a 30-year absence back in November.

      AFC Wimbledon will offer up their new Plough Lane stadium as a vaccination centreCredit: Rex Features

      But government restrictions and final building work mean supporters have yet to come through the turnstiles.
      However, the facility has now been offered to the NHS to help provide necessary jabs against the deadly virus.
      Meeting rooms and executive suites are understood to be turned over to health professionals.
      An AFC Wimbledon source said: “We always said Plough Lane was going to be a stadium for the community.

      “Now it is set to act as a major vaccination hub for Merton in an area that needs it.”
      Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium is one of the seven mass vaccination centres due to open to deliver jabs next week.
      The Sun revealed Leeds became the first Premier League club to hand over its Elland Road facilities for the unprecedented vaccine push.
      Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, is one of the possible venues to be added while Spurs have offered their new ground as well.

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      And Chelsea will open up the Stamford Bridge hotel for free for NHS workers – just as they did at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Owner Roman Abramovich is going to cover the cost of rooms for staff to stay when working shifts at nearby hospitals or simply in need of somewhere to stay after the country went into its third national lockdown.

      Seven major vaccination hubs are set to open next week, including Bristol City’s Ashton Gate, as part of the rollout for the jabCredit: Reuters

      The Dons are yet to play in front of their fans since returning to Plough Lane after 30 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Zinedine Zidane could MISS next two Real Madrid games because of coronavirus risk

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE could miss Real Madrid’s next two matches after a close contact contracted coronavirus, according to reports.
      The Spanish champions face crunch clashes away at Osasuna on Saturday and then at home to Athletic Bilbao next Thursday.

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      Zinedine Zidane is at risk of missing two Real Madrid matches after a positive coronavirus case in his close circle at the clubCredit: Reuters
      But according to La Sexta, the manager could be forced to stay at home – especially for the first.
      The report states Zidane was made aware of a positive case when he arrived at the club’s Valdebebas training ground on Thursday morning.
      The Frenchman did not take training once he learned the news of the confirmed case.

      He has undertaken the mandatory Covid-19 test 48 hours prior to a match as well as another antigen test which came back negative.
      Should the initial PCR result be negative, it would be down to LaLiga to decide whether or not he can travel to Pamplona for Saturday’s league game.
      LaLiga protocols state Zidane should return a negative test and then another one three days later before being allowed to mix with others again – which would therefore be after the weekend game.
      Negative results should clear the Real boss to be at the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Bilbao in Malaga on Thursday.

      Spain has seen almost 2million confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 51,000 deaths.

      Real Madrid are in strong form, winning seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
      However, they are still two points adrift of LaLiga leaders and rivals Atletico, who have two games in hand on the reigning champions.

      Los Blancos have won seven of their last eight matches and are second in the LaLiga tableCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Aston Villa set to be kicked out of FA Cup after ‘significant’ coronavirus outbreak ahead of Liverpool clash

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      ASTON VILLA are on the verge of being kicked out of the FA Cup ahead of Friday night’s clash with Liverpool.
      The Premier League side have confirmed a ‘significant’ outbreak of coronavirus cases within the club.

      Villa Park is set to host Friday night’s FA Cup third round game with LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

      Talks are said to be ongoing between Villa, the FA and Premier League after the team’s training ground was shut.
      Given the congested fixture schedule and limited timeframe before the FA Cup fourth round, clubs unable to fulfill this weekend’s games are set to be kicked out of the competition.
      A club statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.
      “A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation.

      “A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today.
      “First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled.
      “Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League.”
      Villa hope to clarify the situation in the coming hours and are still hopeful the tie could proceed.

      But the outbreak also puts their Premier League games against Tottenham, on Wednesday, and Everton, the following Saturday, in doubt due to self-isolation periods.
      Should their opponents be forced to forfeit the game, Liverpool would be handed a bye to the next round.
      Extensive testing of all teams left in the competition has uncovered a series of clubs hamstrung by the virus.
      Shrewsbury are set to miss out on a televised home game against Southampton on Saturday night after an outbreak in their squad.
      Derby and Middlesbrough have vowed to field teams of kids to ensure their games, against Chorley and Brentford respectively, go ahead despite a series of positive test results.
      Having already abandoned replays to ensure the FA Cup can go ahead during the pandemic, the competition is running the risk of descending into farce on what is traditionally its most beloved weekend.

      The fourth round is scheduled for January 23, just over a fortnight away, with the fifth round in the second midweek of February.
      Therefore, FA bosses have planned to hold a ‘double draw’ on Monday to set out a clearer path ahead for clubs amid the fixture mayhem.
      The third round is set to take place against the backdrop of England’s third extensive pandemic lockdown, with cases rocketing across the country.

      Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.
      — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 7, 2021

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      Leeds become first Premier League club to hand over facilities for huge Covid-19 vaccine push with Elland Road prepped

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      LEEDS United has become the first Premier League club to hand over its facilities for the unprecedented vaccine push.
      Work has already begun transforming the club’s Elland Road into a major vaccination centre in the North.

      Elland Road will be used as a Covid-19 vaccine centreCredit: PA:Press Association

      Tottenham have also offered their stadium to help with the vaccination roll outCredit: Getty – Pool

      The club agreed to hand over its Centenary Pavilion – which is opposite the famous stadium – after it was approached by NHS England.
      The Pavilion is one of the biggest event spaces in the North of England and is capable of holding up to 2,800 visitors and hosting 1,100 guests for dinner.
      A source said: “Elland Road was identified early on as a perfect location for one of the largest vaccination centres in the north.
      “It’s just off the M1 motorway, so there’s easy access, and comes with massive car parks located nearby.

      “They also have ginormous on-site fridges which are normally used on matchdays but will now store the vaccine.”
      Another source said: “This is about people getting the vaccine safely.
      “Leeds is really proud to be part of the process of people getting better and when they were approached they wanted to do all they could to help.
      “It’s unlikely fans are going to return this season so it was a no brainer.”

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      Tottenham have also offered their £1billion stadium to the NHS as a potential hub for rolling out the two approved vaccines.
      And Liverpool have also offered up Anfield.
      Spurs opened up their luxury facility in April to help feed the vulnerable during the initial Covid outbreak and they have stepped up again.
      Their swanky new arena is currently being used as a testing centre and they have now offered it for use as a vaccination hub too.
      With two approved vaccines now available, the Government is expected to ramp up the vaccination roll out in the coming weeks.
      On Tuesday, the Premier League announced there were 40 positive Covid results returned after the latest round of testing – more than DOUBLE the previous record.

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