Fulham’s clash with Tottenham ‘in doubt’ following number of positive Covid tests at Craven Cottage
Fulham’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday could be postponed following a number of positive Covid-19 tests at the Cottagers, according to reports.
According to The Athletic, a number of people associated with Fulham have tested positive for the virus, which has placed major doubt on whether the Premier League encounter, which is due to kick-off at 6pm on Wednesday evening, will go ahead.
Fulham boss Scott Parker will return to the dugout for the game should it get given the green light, following the completion a 10-day self-isolation period after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
Fulham’s trip to face Spurs is in doubt after a number of positive Covid tests at the club
A number of people at the club have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus
The 40-year-old returned a negative test last week but continued to self-isolate in accordance with the Government guidelines before returning another negative test at the weekend.
On his return, Parker revealed he was happy to return but could now be made to wait should the game be postponed.
Parker said: ‘I am back in. Obviously I had to self-isolate for 10 days so I’ve done that and I got a negative result again two days ago, so I’m back in with the team.
‘I am pleased about that, it has been a difficult time but I’m pleased to be back and preparing for what is 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.
Should the game go ahead, Scott Parker will return to the Fulham dugout against Spurs
Tottenham are set to host the Cottagers in their final Premier League game of 2020 this week
The latest round of testing saw 1,479 players and staff tested, with 18 positive – a sharp increase on 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 over the Christmas period.
In the top four divisions, nine matches on Tuesday have been postponed due to outbreaks of the virus. Morecambe, who are due to play Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale have all seen multiple matches postponed due to the spread of the virus.
However, while Sheffield United confirmed they registered a number of positive tests on Tuesday, their game against Burnley at Turf Moor went ahead as planned.
Blades manager Chris Wilder was only able to name seven subs as a result of injuries and positive tests.
It is unclear as to the number of positive cases at Bramall Lane and the club said they would not be revealing the identity of those who tested positive due to confidentiality reasons.
A club statement read: ‘Sheffield United can confirm the club recorded a number of positive coronavirus tests after the latest round of testing.
‘Due to medical confidentiality the club will not be revealing the names of those who have been affected.
Sheffield United’s game against Burnley went ahead after multiple positive Covid tests
‘The individuals who have tested positive have now entered into a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and Government guidelines.
‘Earlier today, the Premier League confirmed 18 positive coronavirus tests – the highest figure of the season so far.
‘Everyone at Sheffield United would like to extend our best wishes to our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery.’
Premier League rules state that matches should go ahead if a club has 14 available players, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis and dependant on circumstances — particularly in relation to the pandemic.
Sheffield United’s statement arrived soon after Southampton confirmed their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl would not be in the dugout for their meeting with West Ham.
The Saints host the Hammers at St Mary’s on Tuesday but Hasenhuttl will be unable to take charge at the ground after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
The Saints boss is set to manage the game from home via a video and audio link.
Ralph Hasenhuttl will not be present at St Mary’s when his side take on West Ham on Tuesday
The outbreak at Ipswich last week prompted club physio Matt Byard to urge authorities to consider a ‘circuit breaker’ postponement to halt the spread.
Manager Paul Lambert tested positive for Covid-19 along with five players. General manager Lee O’Neill also tested positive.
Byard said: ‘I know the EFL are looking at bringing in extra measures, with maybe more testing for example. I have always supported routine testing to secure a return to playing programme.
‘Personally, with so many clubs affected by this presently and this new strain development, football may benefit from a ‘circuit breaker’ before a return to playing securely.’
Despite rising numbers of cases, Everton were furious at the decision to call off their game with City just hours before they were due to kick-off. Everton wanted to play and had started pre-match preparations at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, their usual base.
The Premier League have reported its highest number of Covid-19 cases since Project Restart and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is one of the 18 cases in the latest week of testing
Everton will now ask the Premier League for full disclosure on how they arrived at the decision to get transparency on the reasons behind it.
Premier League rules state that matches should go ahead if a club has 14 available players, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis and dependant on circumstances — particularly in relation to the pandemic.
The precautionary measure is understood to have taken into consideration that some of those players who tested negative on Monday may return different results on Wednesday.
City could not test twice, given the tight turnaround following Boxing Day’s fixture, and sources maintained that all involved at Goodison Park would have been exposed to unnecessary risk.
