Part 4/8:
The struggle has been exacerbated by a COVID-19 outbreak within the Newcastle squad, which initially resulted in 10 to 11 positive cases. While many players returned to training relatively quickly, several, including key players like Allan Saint-Maximin and captain Jamal Lascelles, faced more severe, long-term effects. Saint-Maximin was absent for an extended period and only recently returned, requiring more time to regain fitness. Lascelles, after playing just 45 minutes in his return, also displayed signs of fatigue, making the club's situation even more challenging.