CONCERNS are growing over the availability of Newcastle United striker Chris Wood after an outbreak of Covid in the New Zealand squad.

Wood was expected to feature for his national side in a friendly against Uzbekistan tomorrow morning but the game had to be postponed due to a number of players testing positive.

There is no confirmation yet over how many players have tested positive or whether one of the players to have tested positive is the Newcastle United striker.

Those who have tested positive are currently isolating in Dubai away from the rest of the squad as New Zealand confirmed that all players and staff are fully vaccinated.

The loss of the 29-year-old would be a considered blow to Eddie Howe and would leave him short of attacking options. The failure to get in another striker in the January transfer window means Wood, Callum Wilson and Dwight Gayle are the only strikers in the squad.

As it stands, Wilson is out injured for a considerable period of time with his comeback earmarked for March.

The club have returned from their pre-season training camp but have no game this weekend due to other teams involvement in the FA Cup. They face Everton at home next Tuesday.