Fulham’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday could be postponed after a series of positive tests of Covid-19 on the Cottagers.
According to The Athletic, several people associated with Fulham have tested positive for the virus, which has questioned whether the Premier League match, which will be played at 18:00 on Wednesday evening, will continue.
Fulham boss Scott Parker will return to the shelter for the game in case he is given the green light, after completing a 10-day isolation period after a member of his family tested positive for Covid-19.
Fulham’s trip to face Spurs is in doubt after several positive tests from Covid at the club
Several people in the club have 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.
On his return, Parker revealed that he was happy to be back, but that he could now be made to wait in case the game was postponed.
Parker said, “I’m coming back in. Obviously I had to isolate myself for ten days, so I did and I got a negative result again two days ago, so I’m back on the team. .
“I’m pleased with that. It’s been a tough time, but I’m happy to be back and prepare for Wednesday’s big game against Spurs.”
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 the project restarted.
Should the match go on, Scott Parker will return to the Fulham dig against Spurs
Tottenham will host the Cottagers in their last 2020 Premier League game this week
The last round of testing has been the test of 1,479 players and staff, with 18 positives, a sharp increase over last week’s total. On Monday, Manchester City’s trip to Everton at Goodison Park was postponed due to an outbreak on City’s squad during the Christmas period.
In the four main divisions, nine games this Tuesday have been postponed due to virus outbreaks. Morecambe, who will have to play Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale, has seen several games postponed due to the spread of the virus.
However, while Sheffield United confirmed they had a string of positive tests on Tuesday, their match against Burnley at Turf Moor continued 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 in Bramall Lane and the club said they would not reveal the identity of those who tested positive for confidentiality reasons.
A statement from the club said: “Sheffield United can confirm that the club recorded several positive coronavirus tests after the last round of testing.
‘Due to medical confidentiality, the club will not disclose the names of those affected.
Sheffield United’s game against Burnley went ahead after multiple positive tests from Covid
“People who have tested positive have now entered a period of personal 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 to date.
“Everyone at Sheffield United would like to send 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 players available, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on circumstances, especially in relation to the pandemic.
The Sheffield United statement came shortly after Southampton confirmed their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl would not be in a shelter for their meeting with West Ham.
The Saints host the Hammers at St Mary’s on Tuesday, but Hasenhuttl will not be able to take over the pitch after a member of his family tested positive for Covid-19.
The Saints boss is ready 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 faces West Ham on Tuesday
The outbreak in Ipswich last week prompted club physiotherapist Matt Byard to urge authorities to consider postponing the “circuit breaker” to stop the spread.
Coach 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 trying to introduce additional measures, with perhaps more testing for example. I have always supported routine testing to ensure return to the program.
“Personally, with so many clubs affected by this and this new development of variety, football can benefit from a ‘circuit breaker’ before playing safely again.”
Despite the increase in the number of cases, Everton were furious at the decision to cancel their match with City just hours before the launch. Everton wanted to play and had started pre-match preparations 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 are one of 18 cases in the last week of testing
Now, Everton will ask the Premier League for full information on how they came to the decision to get transparency on the reasons behind it.
Premier League rules state that matches should go ahead if a club has 14 players available, including a goalkeeper, although decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on circumstances, especially in relation to the pandemic.
It is understood that the precautionary measure has taken into account that some of these players who tested negative on Monday could give different results on Wednesday.
City was unable to test twice, given the small turnaround that took place after the Boxing Day match, and sources claimed that everyone involved in Goodison Park would have been exposed to unnecessary risks.