Fulham’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday could, according to reports, be delayed after some 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 serious doubts as to whether the Premier League meeting, which kicks off Wednesday night at 6 p.m., will continue.
Fulham boss Scott Parker will return to the dugout for the game when it gets the go-ahead, following the completion of a 10-day self-isolation period after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
Fulham’s journey to face Spurs is questionable after some positive Covid tests at the club
A number of people at the club have reportedly tested positive for the corona virus
The 40-year-old returned with a negative test last week, but continued to isolate himself in accordance with government guidelines before returning another negative test at the weekend.
On his return, Parker revealed that he was happy to return, but that he could wait now if the game was postponed.
Parker said, “I’m back in. Obviously I had to isolate myself for 10 days so I did that and I got another negative result two days ago so I’m back with the team.
“I’m happy with that, it was a difficult time, but I’m happy to be back and prepare for what will be a big game against Spurs on Wednesday.”
The news comes hours after the Premier League confirmed there are 18 new positive Covid-19 tests among players and staff, the highest weekly total since Project Restart.
Should the match continue, Scott Parker will return to the Fulham dugout against Spurs
Tottenham will host the Cottagers in their last Premier League match of 2020 this week
During the last round of testing, 1,479 players and staff were tested, 18 of which were positive – a sharp increase from last week’s total. On Monday, the trip from Manchester City to Everton in Goodison Park was postponed due to a breakout in City’s roster over the Christmas period.
Nine games in the top four divisions were postponed on Tuesday due to outbreaks of the virus. Morecambe, who play against Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale have all seen multiple games postponed due to the spread of the virus.
Although Sheffield United confirmed on Tuesday that they had recorded some positive tests, their game against Burnley at Turf Moor continued as planned.
Blades manager Chris Wilder was only able to name seven subs due to injuries and positive tests.
It is unclear about the number of positive cases at Bramall Lane and the club said they would not reveal the identities of those who tested positive for confidentiality reasons.
A club statement said: ‘Sheffield United can confirm that the club has registered some positive coronavirus tests after the last round of testing.
Due to medical secrecy, the club does not disclose the names of those affected.
Sheffield United’s match against Burnley went on after several positive Covid tests
Those who tested positive have now entered 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 mark of the season to date.
“Everyone at Sheffield United wants to wish our colleagues all the best and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Under Premier League rules, matches must continue when a club has 14 players available, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depending on the circumstances, particularly in relation to the pandemic.
Sheffield United’s statement came shortly after Southampton confirmed that their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl would not be in the dugout for their meeting with West Ham.
The Saints will receive the Hammers at St Mary’s on Tuesday, but Hasenhuttl will not be able to take over after a member of his household tests positive for Covid-19.
The Saints boss is set to manage the game from home through a video and audio link.
Ralph Hasenhuttl will not be at St Mary’s on Tuesday when his side takes on West Ham
The outbreak in Ipswich last week prompted club physio Matt Byard to urge authorities to consider delaying a ‘circuit breaker’ to stop 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 is considering taking additional measures, with maybe more testing, for example. I have always supported routine testing to ensure a return to the game show.
Personally, with so many clubs currently affected by this and this new development of tension, football can benefit from a ‘circuit breaker’ before playing safely again. ‘
Despite the increasing number of cases, Everton was furious about the decision to call off their game with City just hours before they were due to start. Everton wanted to play and had started preparing for the game at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, their usual base.
The Premier League has reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases since Project Restart and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is one of 18 cases in the last week of testing.
Everton will now ask the Premier League for full disclosure about how they came to the decision to gain transparency on the reasons behind it.
According to Premier League rules, games must continue when 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.
It is believed that the precautionary measure took into consideration that some of those players who tested negative on Monday may return different results on Wednesday.
City was unable to test twice, given the tight turnaround after the Boxing Day game, and sources claimed everyone involved in Goodison Park would have been exposed to unnecessary risks.