Town friendlies still on despite positive
HUDDERSFIELD Town’s preseason under Carlos Corberan has taken an unexpected twist following the postponement of their friendly at Southport because of coronavirus in the Canalside camp.
While only a ‘small number’ of positive tests were returned in the latest round of testing, the club had no option but to scrap their trip to the Pure Stadium.
It’s obviously a blow for Corberan, who has constructed Town’s training schedule in incredible detail, especially as he was hoping to get valuable match minutes for as many of the squad as possible against the Vanarama National League North side.
There is no indication as to who is affected at Town and whether the number includes any players from a squad already suffering injuries to Lewis O’Brien, Jonathan Hogg, Rarmani Edmonds-Green and goalkeeper Ryan Schofield, who is facing surgery on a damaged thumb and a two-month lay-off.
Town have indicated they will continue to strictly adhere to the
EFL’s Covid-19 protocols and there is no suggestion at this stage Wednesday’s friendlies against Fleetwood Town and Bradford City will have to be called off.
Town are playing Fleetwood at the John Smith’s Stadium at 4pm and then Bradford at Canalside at 6pm.
The EFL guidance to clubs is clear when coronavirus tests are returned positive - whether it’s for players, coaching staff or other personnel at the training ground who have been affected.
They are Government guidelines and are within the ‘return to play’ protocols which all clubs must abide by.
Here’s exactly what those guidelines are:
Positive test result with symptoms: Must exclude for 10 days or until symptoms resolve. In all cases there is a minimum 7-day graded recovery off-site from symptom end.
Positive test result with no symptoms: Must first confirm if they have experienced any symptoms in previous month. If they have not experienced any symptoms, they