SHEFFIELD UNITED have become the latest club to be hit by several positive coronavirus tests.
Manchester City’s clash with Everton was forced to be postponed yesterday following a breach of the club’s bubble.
And the Premier League have now announced a record number of weekly cases, with bottom of the table Blades among the worst hit.
An official statement read: “Sheffield United can confirm the club recorded a number of positive coronavirus tests after the latest round of testing.
“Due to medical confidentiality the club will not be revealing the names of those who have been affected.
“The individuals who have tested positive have now entered into a period of self-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 so far.
“Everyone at Sheffield United would like to extend our best wishes to our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Chris Wilder’s side are due to play Burnley at Turf Moor later today.
And despite Sheffield United’s difficulties, the match is still set to go ahead.
The previous season-high of weekly cases was the 16 recorded between November 9 and 15.
In addition to Man City’s troubles, eight EFL matches scheduled for this evening have been postponed after positive cases.
And Rotherham United boss Paul Warne yesterday revealed that his side would only play their fixture with Barnsley this evening for fear of a points deduction.
He said: “I was advised that if we did not play the game, there would be retribution because I am going against medical advice.
“The medical advice is that nine days isolation is enough as I have enough players in the football club to get the game on. I do not want it on or to put anyone at risk. But now it is on, there is little I can do but pick the lads up.
“We could have postponed it. But I did not want to happen – which I was led to believe – was come March or April, the Premier League and Championship clubs get hit harder than League One and League Two clubs with Covid postponements and there was a fine because I am going against advice as they are saying the (Barnsley) game is playable.
“There was a fine with a possibility of a points deduction, which I do not want hanging over our heads. Regrettably, we have taken the game on and must try and put out best foot forward against a very good Barnsley side.”
