Wayne Rooney and Derby County in Covid-19 isolation as Sheffield Wednesday await results ahead of FA Cup tie
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Owls’ Middlewood Road training ground was closed down this week after an outbreak, with training initially closed until today.
But it could well be that that closure is extended as the club look ahead to their trip to Devon.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDerby County, their opponents at Hillsborough last Saturday, are all isolating and the Rams first team and staff members are set to miss their tie with non-league Chorley. Manager Wayne Rooney is one of those isolating.
FA rules say that if a club is able to field 14 fit players, they must fulfil the tie, leaving Derby having to fill their squad with youth players and staff unaffected by the problems. It remains to be seen whether Wednesday are likely to be in a similar position.
Any youth players that have trained or spent time with Owls first team players who return positive tests since their latest negative test will also likely have to isolate given they are member’s of the club’s ‘eco bubble’.
In response to a worrying spike in the number of contracted coronavirus cases among footballers at clubs across the EFL, the governing body today announced the reintroduction of twice-weekly testing as they attempt to forge a safe way forward in their attempts to complete the season without interruption.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPFA Chief Gordon Taylor said: “In the light of the current increase in Covid-19 cases and the resulting further tightening of government regulations, the PFA and the EFL have agreed enhanced measures to help protect players, staff and their families.
“Football has provided temporary relief for many fans during the lockdown. PFA members, alongside millions of people, have worked hard and played a positive role throughout the pandemic.
“We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”
As it stands an official club statement regarding the Wednesday results is expected tomorrow (Thursday).