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England’s entire 22-man squad tested negative for Covid-19 to ease concerns of club bosses following a record rise in positive coronavirus tests among Premier League staff.
Top-level bosses announced on Monday that there were 16 new positive tests after 1,207 tests for players and staff between November 9-15. The 16 figure does not include those who have been in international service.
Club bosses have expressed concern about both the positive coronavirus tests and injuries, and Chelsea were encouraged by the news that full-back Ben Chilwell returned to England training on Tuesday after a back spasm. in the 2-0 loss to Belgium.
Chilwell suffered the injury in the Nations League match and it was feared that he could be ruled out of upcoming matches for Chelsea.
But having returned to full training, it seems the spasm was a minor scare, although it is unclear if Chilwell will play any role against Iceland in a game that is dead rubber.
While there was positive news about Chilwell’s alleged injury, ongoing concern across the league surrounds the impact of Covid-19, particularly on players.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny tested positive while away for Egypt and Tottenham will have to dispense with full-back Matt Doherty against Manchester City on Saturday as he is forced into quarantine after testing positive for the national team of the Republic of Ireland.
Doherty has become a point man for Tottenham this season since joining in the summer from Wolves and will miss three games for Spurs.
He has to isolate himself for 14 days with José Mourinho’s men who play for City next Saturday followed by Ludogorets in the Europa League on Thursday and then Chelsea on Sunday, November 29.
There are no expectations at this time that the games will be canceled due to outbreaks of positive tests in the squads.
The Premier League has a rigorous protocol to ensure that those returning from international service (there is a figure of around 400 players and staff out) cannot contaminate training facilities.
While the entire England team tested negative on Tuesday, every playing and non-playing staff member will have to test negative again, this time with a specific PCR test performed for the Premier League.
This must be done before a person is allowed to return to training.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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