Blues’ tests come back negative as return nears

POMPEY will aim to step up training after all players and staff tested negative for coronavirus.

The EFL has confirmed none of the 135 individuals from four League One clubs tested last week have provided positive results.

It comes after the Blues applied to join the Football League’s Return to Play protocol.

Oxford also confirmed they had no positive cases, while it is believed Fleetwood and Wycombe – who also look set to compete in the play-offs as the 2019-20 season heads for curtailment – are the others.

An EFL statement read: ‘Following the first round of Covid-19 testing in League One, the EFL can confirm that 135 players and club staff were tested from four League One clubs over the course of Wednesday 3 June, Thursday 4 June, Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June with zero individuals testing positive.’

Kenny Jackett's men will now target moving to phase two of the government’s return to training guidance for elite sport, which will allow for close contact at their Hilsea training base.

Members of Pompey’s squad have already been training in small groups, with social distancing being kept.

It’s looking increasingly likely the Blues will return to action this season, with the play-offs in the offing.

EFL members will meet on Tuesday to vote on how to finish the campaign, with the majority of League One clubs favouring curtailment.

As a result, league positions look set to be decided by an unweighted points-per-game formula, with promotion and relegation still applying.

That’ll see Jackett’s side finishing fifth and facing fourth-placed Oxford in the play-off semi-finals.

The winners will then meet either Wycombe or Fleetwood for the right to join Coventry and Rotherham in the Championship.