Fulham’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday could reportedly be postponed after a number of positive Covid-19 tests at the Cottagers.
According to The Athletic, a number of people associated with Fulham have tested positive for the virus, which has cast great doubt on whether the Premier League meeting, which will take place due to the kick-off at 18:00 on Wednesday night.
Fulham boss Scott Parker will return to the dugout for the match if it gets the green light, following the completion of a ten-day period of self-isolation after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19 .
Fulham’s trip to Spurs is doubtful after a number of positive Covid tests at the club
A number of people at the club reportedly tested positive for coronavirus
The 40-year-old passed a negative test last week, but according to government guidelines continued to isolate himself before taking another negative test over the weekend.
On his return, Parker revealed that he was happy to return, but he could now wait until the match is postponed.
Parker said, ‘I’m back. Of course I had to isolate myself for ten days, so I did, and I got a negative result again two days ago, so I’m in the team again.
“I’m glad about it, it’s been a tough time, but I’m glad to be back and prepare for a big game on Wednesday against Spurs.”
The news comes hours after the Premier League confirmed that there are 18 new positive Covid-19 Tests among players and staff, the highest weekly total since Project Restart.
If the match continues, Scott Parker will return against the Spurs in the Fulham series
Tottenham host the Cottagers in their last Premier League match of 2020 this week
The final Test round tested 1,479 players and staff, with 18 positives – a sharp increase from last week’s total. On Monday, Manchester City’s trip to Everton at Goodison Park was postponed due to an outbreak in City’s squad during the Christmas season.
In the top four divisions, nine matches were postponed on Tuesday due to outbreaks of the virus. Morecambe, who will play Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale have already seen several matches postponed due to the spread of the virus.
While Sheffield United confirmed they had registered a number of positive Tests on Tuesday, their game against Burnley at Turf Moor went according to plan.
Blades manager Chris Wilder could only name seven parts due to injuries and positive tests.
It is unclear about the number of positive cases in Bramall Lane and the club said they would not disclose the identities of those tested positive for confidentiality reasons.
A club statement read: ‘Sheffield United can confirm that the club have recorded a number of positive coronavirus tests after the final round of the test.
‘Due to medical confidentiality, the club will not disclose the names of those affected.
Sheffield United’s game against Burnley continued after several positive Covid Tests
‘The individuals who tested positive have now entered a period of self-isolation according to the guidelines of the Premier League and the Government.
‘Earlier today, the Premier League confirmed 18 positive tests for coronavirus – the highest figure of the season so far.
“Everyone at Sheffield United would like to wish our best wishes to our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery.”
According to Premier League rules, matches must continue if a club has 14 players available, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depending on the circumstances – especially with regard to the pandemic.
The statement from Sheffield United came soon after Southampton confirmed that their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl would not be in the dive for their meeting with West Ham.
The Saints will host the Hammers in St Mary’s on Tuesday, but Hasenhuttl will not be able to take the lead on the ground after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
The Saints boss is set to run the game at home via a video and audio link.
Ralph Hasenhuttl will not be present at St Mary’s when his team tackles West Ham on Tuesday
The outbreak in Ipswich last week prompted club physio Matt Byard to urge authorities to consider a ‘circuit breaker’ postponement to stop the spread.
Paul Lambert, manager, tested positive for Covid-19 along with five players. General manager Lee O’Neill also tested positive.
Byard said: ‘I know the EFL wants to introduce extra measures, for example with more testing. I have always supported routine testing to ensure a return to the play program.
“Personally, with so many clubs currently being affected and this new tension development, football could benefit from a ‘circuit breaker’ before it can play safely again.”
Despite the growing number of cases, Everton were furious at the decision to stop their match with City just hours before kicking off. Everton wanted to play and started preparing for their game at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, their usual base.
The Premier League reported its highest number of cases of Covid-19 since Gabriel Jesus, Project Restart, and Manchester City striker one of 18 cases in the last week of testing.
Everton will now ask the Premier League for full disclosure on how they came to the decision to gain transparency about the reasons behind it.
According to Premier League rules, matches must continue if a club has 14 players available, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depending on the circumstances – especially with regard to the pandemic.
According to the precaution, account was taken of the fact that some of the players who tested negative on Monday may produce different results on Wednesday.
City could not test twice, given the severe turnaround after the Boxing Day match, and sources claim that all involved at Goodison Park would have been exposed to unnecessary risks.