CHELSEA have returned three positive Covid tests just hours before their Premier League clash with Everton.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are still expected to face the Toffees at Stamford Bridge this evening despite the outbreak.
Alongside the three most recent positive tests in the Chelsea camp, Mateo Kovacic is also still self-isolating having contracted Covid.
According to ESPN, Chelsea are hoping the measures they have put in place will prevent further infections.
But there is a growing fear the Premier League could be suspended altogether due to multiple games being postponed for Covid-related reasons.
Brighton vs Tottenham, Brentford vs Man Utd and Burnley vs Watford have all recently been called off.
And today it has been confirmed that Leicester vs Spurs has also been postponed after more positive cases in the Foxes’ camp.
Meanwhile, some of Man Utd’s players returned to training on Wednesday after Carrington was shut on Tuesday to contain the outbreak.
But at least two players were subsequently sent home again after testing positive.
And the Red Devils’ match with Brighton on Saturday has now been postponed due to the outbreak.
The chaos coronavirus is causing England’s top flight has led Brentford boss Thomas Frank to ask the Prem to suspend all fixtures this weekend.
He said: “We think we should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend.
“COVID cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs; everyone is dealing with it and having problems.
“To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.”
Under League rules, matches should be played unless clubs have fewer than 14 first-team players. But exceptions are made, including having no fit keepers.
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A final decision is taken by the Premier League board, with each call on a ‘case-by-case’ basis.
Watford’s home clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday is in doubt as a result of Wednesday’s Turf Moor cancellation — due to the high number of first-team players involved.
And Norwich – Man Utd’s opponents last Saturday – also have concerns over their trip to West Ham this weekend.
