Positive Covid tests force the closure of City’s training base
BRISTOL City have confirmed that the club’s Failand training ground has been closed until Thursday after “a number of positive Covid-19 tests” were recorded from players and staff, writes Rob Warlow.
The Robins’ preparations for the return of Championship football this weekend and the visit of Derby County have been affected after it was confirmed that several individuals within the club’s testing bubble displayed Covid-19 symptoms over the weekend.
Subsequent tests have confirmed a number of positive cases, and as such, Bristol City have confirmed that those individuals are now selfisolating and that the club’s training ground has been closed.
In a statement sent to the Daily Telegraph, Bristol City said: “Over the weekend of Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, several individuals within the Bristol City testing bubble of players and staff displayed Covid-19 symptoms.
“The whole Bristol City testing bubble were subsequently tested and a number of positive tests were recorded from players and staff.
“Those individuals who tested positive are currently in the 10-day self-isolation period as per Public Health England and EFL Updated Medical Guidance & Information, October 2020.
“In consultation with the EFL medical advisers, the club’s Failand training ground is closed until Thursday, November 19.
“There will be another round of testing ahead of training resuming on Thursday, in preparation for the Sky Bet Championship match against Derby County on Saturday, November 21.”
» Republic of Ireland duo Matt Doherty and James McClean have tested positive for Covid-19.
Both played the full 90 minutes of the Republic’s 1-0 Nations League defeat by Wales on Sunday evening.
The rest of the squad and backroom staff returned negative test results before flying back to Dublin on Monday to begin preparations for tomorrow’s game against Bulgaria. The news comes three days after midfielder Alan Browne tested positive.
The Football Association of Wales confirmed it is aware of Tottenham defender Doherty and Stoke midfielder McClean’s results, saying their preparations for tomorrow’s game against Finland remain unaffected.
“The FAW will continue to adhere to Public Health Wales and Uefa guidelines as well as internal protocols which have been implemented since the resumption of international football this year,” said a FAW spokesperson.