Fulham’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday could be postponed following positive Covid-19 tests at Cottagers, according to reports.
According to The Athletic, a number of people associated with Fulham have tested positive for the virus, which has raised major doubts as to whether the Premier League meeting, which is set to start on Wednesday night at 18:00, will continue.
Fulham boss Scott Parker will return to the mouth for the game if he is given the green light after completing 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 a series of positive Covid tests at the club
A number of people at the club have 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 return, but now he could be put on hold if the game is postponed.
Parker said, “I’m back. Obviously, I had to isolate myself for 10 days, so I did that and got a negative result again two days ago, so I’m back with the team.
“I’m excited about that, it was a difficult time, but I’m excited to come back and prepare for a big game on Wednesday against Spurs.”
The news comes hours after the Premier League confirmed that there are 18 new positive Covid-19 tests among players and staff, the highest weekly total since the restart of the project.
If the game continues, Scott Parker will return to Digham Fulham against Spurs
Tottenham are ready to host Cottagers in their last Premier League game of 2020 this week
The most recent round of testing saw 1,479 players and staff tested, with 18 positives – a sharp increase from last week’s total. On Monday, Manchester City’s trip to Everton at Goodison Park was postponed due to an outbreak in City’s team over the Christmas period.
In the first four divisions, nine matches on Tuesday were postponed due to virus outbreaks. Morecambe, who are set to play Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale, have seen several matches postponed due to the spread of the virus.
However, while Sheffield United confirmed they had a string of positive tests on Tuesday, their game against Burnley at Turf Moor continued as planned.
Blade manager Chris Wilder was able to name seven submarines only as a result of injuries and positive tests.
The number of positive cases at Bramall Lane is unclear, and the club has said it will not reveal the identities of those who tested positive for confidentiality.
A statement from the club read: “Sheffield United can confirm that the club has had a series of positive coronavirus tests since the last round of testing.
“Due to the medical confidentiality, the club will not reveal the names of those who were affected.
Sheffield United’s game against Burnley continued after several positive Covid tests
“People who have given positive results have now entered a period of self-isolation in accordance with the guidelines of the Premier League and the government.
“Earlier today, the Premier League confirmed 18 positive tests for coronavirus – the highest figure of the season so far.
“Everyone at Sheffield United would like to extend our best wishes to our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Premier League rules stipulate that matches should continue if 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 in connection with the pandemic.
The Sheffield United statement came shortly after Southampton confirmed that their manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, would not be in the shelter for their meeting with West Ham.
The Saints host Hammers at St Mary’s on Tuesday, but Hasenhuttl will not be able to take the lead on the ground after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
The Saints boss is set to manage the game at home via a video and audio link.
Ralph Hasenhuttl will not be at St Mary’s when his team take on West Ham on Tuesday
The outbreak in Ipswich last week prompted club physicist Matt Byard to urge authorities to consider postponing the “switch” to stop the spread.
Manager Paul Lambert gave positive results for Covid-19 along with five players. General Manager Lee O’Neill gave positive results.
Byard said: “I know that EFL is looking to bring additional measures, with more tests, for example. I have always supported routine testing to ensure a return to playback.
“Personally, with so many clubs affected by this moment and this new development of the strain, football can benefit from a ‘switch’ before returning to safe play.”
Despite the growing number of cases, Everton were furious at the decision to give up the match with City just hours before it was launched. Everton wanted to play and had started pre-match preparations at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, their usual base.
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
Everton will now ask the Premier League to fully disclose how they came to the decision to achieve transparency on the reasons behind it.
Premier League rules stipulate that matches should continue if 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 in connection with the pandemic.
It is understood that the precautionary measure took into account the fact that some of those players who gave negative results on Monday were able to give different results on Wednesday.
The city could not test twice, given the close change that followed the installation of Boxing Day, and sources said that everyone involved in Goodison Park was exposed to unnecessary risks.