Newcastle Jets: Papas awaits more arrivals as COVID disrupts preseason

Jets players and staff, who have returned a negative COVID-19 test, will resume training on Saturday after a three-day break.

Four players caught in a COVID crossfire after visiting an identified case location have another 10-days in isolation.

Regardless of the COVID scare, the Jets had a let up scheduled after completing the opening one-month block of pre-season.

"I am pleased with everyone who has been part of the program thus far in terms of the players," Papas said. "They are working really hard and it is a good group to be around. We have definitely ticked some boxes.

"The frustration is that it is taking a long time to get the rest of the group here. Ideally, that would have been completed a lot quicker. You are never going to really know where you are at until you have everyone on the field. When you are talking possibly 60 per cent of the team there and 40 per cent not there, that is significant."

The A-League kick offs on October 30.

Of the Jets' contracted players, only 15 have been on deck, including scholarship-holders Archie Goodwin and Blake Archbold.

Trialists and youth teams players have bolstered numbers for training.

Ben Kantarovski had off-season surgery to correct a nerve issue which wiped out his 20-21 season and is early in his rehabilitation.

Cameron Devlin (Australia), Joe Champness (New Zealand) and Dane Ingham (New Zealand) have been on international duty at the Tokyo Olympics.

However, Devlin is expected to trigger a buyout clause in his Jets' contract after agreeing to terms with Scottish Premier League club Hearts. Champness has expressed a desire to stay with the Brisbane Roar, where he spent last season on loan.

Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze has signed a two-year deal and is awaiting travel arrangements to be finalised. Two other foreigners have agreed to terms and will be announced once their visas have been issued.

"We have between six and eight players to come into the squad," Papas said. "You have to tick one off to be able to go after the next one. There are a couple of scenarios that could unfold. Until they are completed or certain things fall, you can't push the button on anything else."

READ MORE: JETS CAUGHT IN COVID CROSSFIRE

READ MORE: DEFENDER ATTRACTED BY COACH'S VISION

READ MORE: MIDFIELDER RESETS GOALS AFTER BREAKOUT SEASON

READ MORE: JET RECRUIT HAS CHANGE OF HEART

Devlin is a case in point. If he transfers to Scotland, it leaves a large hole in midfield.

"As it stands there is a process to go through that they are undertaking," Papas said. "Until that happens, he is a Newcastle player. We can't replace someone who hasn't left yet."

Former Socceroo Eli Babalj, Papua New Guinean international Tommy Semmy and former Western Sydney midfielder Kosta Grozos are on training contracts, with a view to earning a full-time deal.

"All the boys who have come in, whether they are signed or not signed, have come in with a good attitude and have embraced the work we are doing," Papas said. "We knew a bit about their character and qualities before they came in. To assess players you want to see them in matches."

The worsening COVID situation has restricted the Jets to a couple of modified hit outs against the youth team. Trials against Edgeworth and Broadmeadow had to be cancelled and the FFA Cup is in doubt.

"There are some contingencies around A-League opponents," Papas said. "It is a bit of the unknown. We have to be adaptable and be ready to adjust at certain times, like we have so far."

"We don't know anything about the FFA Cup. If that is to go ahead some how, we will prep for that. Otherwise, we are preparing for the season start. Hopefully we are in a position to play some games and test ourselves once more players get on board."

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Jacob Pepper has mutually terminated his contract with Indonesian club Madura United and is returning to Australia.

Pepper,29, made 74 appearances for the Jets and also played with Western Sydney (11 games) and Brisbane (64) before heading to Indonesia last year.

Renowned for his fitness and versatility, Pepper could be an option for the Jets.

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: