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Fulham’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday could be postponed following a series of positive Covid-19 tests on the Cottagers, according to reports.
According to The Athletic, several people associated with Fulham have tested positive for the virus, raising serious doubts as to whether the Premier League match will take place.
Fulham boss Scott Parker will return to the dugout for the game if given the green light, after completing a 10-day period of self-isolation after a member of his family tested positive for Covid-19.
Fulham’s journey to face Spurs is in doubt after several positive Covid tests at the club
Several people at the club reportedly tested positive for coronavirus
The 40-year-old returned a negative test last week but continued to isolate himself according to government guidelines before returning another negative test over the weekend.
Upon his return, Parker revealed that he was happy to return, but could now be made to wait if the game was postponed.
Parker said, ‘I’m back. Obviously I had to isolate myself for 10 days so I did it and got a negative result again two days ago so I’m back with the team.
“I’m happy about that, it’s been a difficult time but I’m happy to be back and prepare for what is a great game on Wednesday against the Spurs.”
The news comes hours after the Premier League confirmed there are 18 new positive tests for Covid-19 among players and staff, the highest weekly total since Project Restart.
If the game continues, Scott Parker will return to the Fulham bench against the Spurs
Tottenham will host the Cottagers in their final 2020 Premier League game this week
The latest round of testing saw 1,479 players and staff screened and the results show a sharp rise from last week’s total a day after Manchester City’s trip to face Everton at Goodison Park was postponed due to an outbreak in the City team during the Christmas period.
In the first four divisions, nine games on Tuesday have been postponed due to outbreaks of the virus. Morecambe, who will play Chelsea in the FA Cup third round, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale have seen several games postponed due to the spread of the virus.
However, while Sheffield United confirmed that it recorded a series of positive tests on Tuesday, its game against Burnley at Turf Moor will go ahead as planned.
Blades manager Chris Wilder was only able to name seven substitutes as a result of injuries and positive tests.
The number of positive cases at Bramall Lane is unclear and the club said they would not reveal the identity of those who tested positive for confidentiality reasons.
A statement from the club read: ‘Sheffield United can confirm that the club recorded a series of positive tests for coronavirus after the latest round of testing.
Due to medical confidentiality, the club will not reveal the names of those affected.
Sheffield United’s game against Burnley went ahead after multiple positive Covid tests
“The people who tested positive have now entered a period of self-isolation according to the Premier League and Government guidelines.
Earlier today, the Premier League confirmed 18 positive coronavirus tests, the highest number of the season so far.
“Everyone at Sheffield United would like to express our best wishes to our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Premier League rules state that matches must continue if a club has 14 available players, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on the circumstances, particularly in relation to the pandemic.
Sheffield United’s statement came shortly after Southampton confirmed that their coach Ralph Hasenhuttl would not be on the bench for their encounter with West Ham.
The Saints host the Hammers at St Mary’s on Tuesday, but Hasenhuttl will be unable to take over on the ground after a member of his family tested positive for Covid-19.
The Saints boss is set up to manage the game from home via a video and audio link.
Ralph Hasenhuttl will not be present at St Mary’s when his team take on West Ham on Tuesday
The outbreak in Ipswich last week prompted club physio Matt Byard to urge authorities to consider postponing the “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 looking to incorporate additional measures, perhaps with more testing, for example. I have always supported routine testing to ensure return to the game program.
“Personally, with so many clubs affected by this today and the development of this new variety, football can benefit from a ‘circuit breaker’ before it can play safely again.”
Despite the growing number of cases, Everton was furious at the decision to suspend their game with City just hours before the scheduled start date. Everton wanted to play and had started pre-match preparations at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel, their usual base.
The Premier League has reported its highest number of Covid-19 cases since Project Restart and Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus is one of 18 cases in the last week of testing.
Everton will now ask the Premier League for a full disclosure on how they came to the decision to get transparency on the reasons behind it.
Premier League rules state that matches must continue if a club has 14 available players, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on the circumstances, particularly in relation to the pandemic.
It is understood that the injunction has taken into account that some of those players who tested negative on Monday may give different results on Wednesday.
The city was unable to test twice, given the tight turnaround that followed the Boxing Day game, and sources argued that everyone involved at Goodison Park would have been exposed to unnecessary risks.
