WAITING GAME
Blues expect to discover extent of Covid impact on squad as results return
POMPEY are today waiting to hear their coronavirus fate and whether their season will grind to a halt.
The Blues are expecting to find out the extent to which Covid-19 has ripped through their squad, as test results begin to return after an outbreak at the club.
Jack Whatmough and two senior players have already tested positive, with winger Ryan Williams isolating after sharing a room with the defender ahead of the Hull game last Friday night.
The likelihood is the Boxing Day clash with Swindon will be postponed, but the situation moving forward remains unclear with trips to Bristol Rovers and Accrington scheduled for December 29 and
January 2 respectively.
The official announcement over what course of action the club will take could be held over until tomorrow when all the results are returned.
Ipswich last night called off two games over Christmas after six people tested positive from their first-team staff including boss Paul Lambert.
Championship club Millwall have been forced to do likewise after finding themselves in a similar situation.
Peterborough, Sunderland and Bristol Rovers have all called off League One fixtures after outbreaks at their clubs.
There are currently no plans to suspend the EFL season, but Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin admitted that picture could change at any time moving forward.
Sources at the league state they are monitoring the situation at clubs, and may be forced to take action if the intensity of the virus’ spread continues to impact its members.
Discussions will be expected to take place between clubs in the coming days, although there are no specially arranged meetings.
Catlin said: ‘I speak to a lot of people in football and once it starts to get a grip within a squad, it just seems to spiral out of control.
‘I’m sure that’s replicated through businesses and schools currently throughout the world.
‘There’s no plans that I’m aware in terms of meetings to discuss a possible suspension.
‘But I have to caveat that, that football, society and the world view on this terrible disease changes daily.
‘Just because last night that wasn’t the case doesn’t mean that won’t be today.
‘I can’t say it won’t loom its head, but at this current time I’ve not spoken to anyone else who’s voicing that opinion.
‘But as we’ve found out the landscape can change drastically within a few hours.
‘Just a couple of days ago people were looking forward to seeing family and friends over Christmas. Things change very, very quickly and football’s not exempt from that.’