Coronavirus: 112 positive results in EFL tests | Football news

The EFL reported 112 positive tests this week from its strategic league-wide testing program.

The testing program involved 3,507 players and staff from 66 EFL clubs participating in FA Cup or league action this weekend. The six clubs that did not participate will be evaluated before their next league matches.

It is understood that almost a third of the positive tests focused on just three clubs, with most clubs averaging one or two cases.

The EFL goes to regular Covid-19 testing twice a week starting next week, which is being funded by the Professional Footballers Association.

EFL Medical Advisors Dr. Richard Higgins and Dr. Subhashis Basu added: “Today’s results reflect the current rate at which the virus is spreading amid the emergence of a new variant of Covid- 19, but the low numbers reported in the overwhelming majority of clubs mean we remain confident that our protocols continue to mitigate the spread of infection as intended.

“The protocols, supported by the clubs and the government, allow us to continue to play matches as scheduled, but we cannot be complacent, which is why improved Covid protocols for matchdays and non-matchdays have recently been released to support the reintroduction of a league – worldwide testing program starting next week.

“Medical boards continue to support that following these protocols is the most successful route to mitigating the spread of infection.”

Southampton’s FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury will not take place on Saturday after Shrews notified the Football Association that several players and staff members had tested positive for coronavirus, in addition to two positive tests last week, one confirmed as midfielder Marc Pugh.

Meanwhile, Blackpool’s preparations for their FA Cup match against West Brom have been hampered by two positive tests in their weekly tests.

Wigan’s League One match against Hull City was postponed, and the club informed the EFL that it cannot comply with the match due to a series of positive cases at the club, and Colchester United’s League Two match against Tranmere was also suspended due to cases. in both squads.

Krul confirmed as one of three Norwich cases

Norwich confirmed that goalkeeper Tim Krul and Adam Idah are two of the three to test positive at the club, and an anonymous staff member the third.

Canarias is the latest Championship team to experience positive results during this week’s testing round after Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough also had their preparation for the FA Cup qualifiers impacted by coronavirus cases.

An official club statement read: “Norwich City can confirm that the club’s latest round of Covid-19 testing between players and backroom personnel has yielded three positive results.

“Players and backroom staff were assessed and results were received during the early stages of this week. In accordance with Government, EFL and club protocols, the three individuals immediately began a period of self-isolation.”

Championship-leading Norwich will host divisional rivals Coventry at Carrow Road in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, but will be without a goalkeeper.

Krul said on Twitter: “Earlier this week the club informed me that my Covid test came back positive. I immediately began my period of self-isolation.

“I feel bad and fatigued. It is an important reminder to be safe, this virus is not a hoax and to protect those around us.”

Daniel Farke said: “They have been isolated for a few days because we did the tests at the beginning of the week. The most important thing is that they feel good.”

“Tim had some symptoms but it doesn’t get worse, more like a cold. He looks pretty good. They have a stuffy nose or something, so it’s not that bad, but we take it seriously.

“Tim said how bad you feel when you have it, so stay disciplined and he hits the spot. They were isolated from the moment after we did the tests, so there’s no reason to be concerned.”

Frank, Brentford boss, tests positive

Brentford coach Thomas Frank has tested positive for coronavirus, the championship club announced.

Frank, 47, was one of two people at the club who tested positive after tests were conducted at the training ground on Thursday.

A statement from the club read: “Thomas will now isolate himself at home for 10 days as per EFL and government regulations.

“Due to medical confidentiality, we will not provide further details on the other positive test.”

In Frank’s absence, Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane led the training on Friday and will be in charge of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Middlesbrough.

News of Frank’s positive came three days after Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Spurs coach José Mourinho confirmed Friday that his entire team tested negative for coronavirus in the latest round of testing.