Manchester United’s game at Brentford is almost certain to be postponed after the club reported multiple Covid cases and closed their Carrington training headquarters amid an outbreak of the virus in the first team group.
A source with knowledge of the matter told i there was “less than a 10 per cent chance” of the game at Brentford going ahead as the Red Devils deferred travelling to London. A club statement confirmed “discussions are ongoing” with the Premier League over whether it is safe to fulfil the fixture.
It is understood cases have increased from the “small number” reported on Sunday night in the wider first team group, which includes support staff, and that would make the fixture almost impossible to fulfil for Manchester United.
The Premier League’s guidance is that games can go ahead with 14 fit first team players but in reality with support staff and coaching teams a key part of wider preparation for matches rules will have to be applied with a touch of common sense. Multiple sources confirmed they expect the Premier League to agree to a postponement.
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“Individuals who tested positive are isolating per Premier League protocols.
Given cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority, the Club is in discussion with the Premier League whether it is safe for Tuesday’s fixture against Brentford to continue, both from a Covid infection and player preparation perspective.
“Team and staff travel to London will be deferred pending the result of that discussion.”
Outbreaks at Newcastle last season and Spurs this month have already caused games to be postponed. Leicester and Aston Villa have also reported cases as the Premier League confronts fresh disruption to the sport.
The authorities are also aware that with concern over the Omicron variant, they will have to be fluid with new guidance on the virus. Club doctors were issued with new protocols last week and there’s an expectation that more games may fall victim to the virus after Tottenham’s game against Brighton was called off last weekend.
It is a troubling scenario for Premier League clubs and officials, who face losing revenue and fixture pressure if games over the Christmas period can’t be played.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3DUB57U
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