Coronavirus advice issued to Sheffield United

Subhashis Basu and Alex Worthington, United’s first team doctors, both advised Wilder’s squad on the latest situation before tomorrow’s visit to the Madejski Stadium, after the number of diagnosed cases in the UK reached 40.

It emerged last week that a number of top-flight sides, including Newcastle and West Ham, have banned their employees from shaking hands to try and stave off the threat of infection.

But Wilder said: “I love a firm handshake, and I’m definitely not fistbumping anyone. Others, though, will have different ideas I’m sure.

“I’m not one to shake everyone’s hand but I do like to welcome people to work. When someone needs a handshake, they’ll get a firm one and I expect a firm one back.”

Although Wilder attempted to make light of the situation, he did reveal that United have devised a prevention plan to avoid being caught up in the outbreak. Rather than outlawing unnecessary physical contact, it revolves around taking more simple steps such as regular handwashing and using the correct amount of soap or antibacterial gel.

Around 90,000 people across the globe are so far believed to have caught Covid-19, otherwise known as coronavirus, with cased being reported in over 60 countries.

Matches have been postponed in Italy while China, where the outbreak is understood to have originated, has delayed the start of its own domestic football season.

“Hygiene is important,” Wilder, whose side will reach the quarter-finals if they beat Reading, said. “The doctors have been on to the players to make sure they look after themselves.”