Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder admits he fears more positive Covid tests at his club and around the Premier League – potentially putting his side’s trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday in jeopardy.
The relegation-threatened Blades reported two positive tests among their players, and a further “half dozen” among backroom staff, ahead of Tuesday’s defeat at Burnley.
That game only went ahead after a further two players, who reported Covid-19 symptoms, were rushed to Manchester Airport on the morning of the game for quick tests which provided results in 90 minutes and proved negative.
But Wilder fears the worrying national picture surrounding the pandemic is going to see more positives at Bramall Lane.
“I don’t know until the results come back but I think the way it is sweeping the country, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Wilder said.
“I think it’s starting to grow and I think, obviously after the Christmas period, listening to people talking about Christmas and New Year and people getting together, I’m not sure it’s going to get any better.
“I wouldn’t be surprised over the round of testing now that there will be more positive tests up and down the country in professional football and in the Premier League.”
There were no new reports of symptoms among United players on Thursday, with players under strict orders to notify the club’s medical staff if they are taken ill.
But, despite the mounting concerns – and his team’s lowly league position – Wilder does not favour the Premier League taking a “circuit breaker” pause.
“No, I don’t want a break. I just carry on, I want to play football,” Wilder said.
“I want to come to work, I have the ability to do that at the moment. I’m quite fortunate because a lot of people don’t have that opportunity.
“But that’s the job we’re in. I want to work, the team wants to play and I’m not going to get called into what should or shouldn’t happen. I’ll go along with the medical advice and the experts at the Premier League.”
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