Coventry chief self-isolating as Portsmouth face testing 'difficulty'

With League One suspended for a minimum of three weeks, a number of clubs are already taking precautionary steps to fend-off coronavirus.

Here’s the latest from around the third tier: LINCOLN CITY The Imps have closed their training ground, the Soper of Lincoln Elite Performance Centre, after a member of staff was found to have come into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. First-team training has now been deemed an unnecessary risk and players have been given individual training plans.

Lincoln have, however, stressed this is a temporary measure and that no players or staff have shown any symptoms of the virus. COVENTRY CITY Dave Boddy, the club’s chief executive, is currently self-isolating after recently returning from Spain. He has not shown any symptoms and is merely keeping himself away from the club as a precautionary measure. PORTSMOUTH Pompey confirmed that after difficulties in obtaining coronavirus testing kits, they are set to test all players later this week.

The promotion-chasing side are currently not training as a group, after fears were raised following their recent FA Cup clash with Arsenal – whose head coach Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

A club statement read: “Testing kits have been very difficult to obtain, but all players and members of the management team will be tested for the virus early this week. The intention of these tests is to create a sterile environment for our players and management team, so that when the season (hopefully) recommences, we have a fit and healthy squad.” SUNDERLAND The Black Cats have handed all first-team players an extended break, and have postponed selling tickets for their trip to AFC Wimbledon on Good Friday due to the uncertainty surrounding the schedule.

OXFORD UNITED Manager Karl Robinson has allowed his players a break from training, with the squad not set to return until Tuesday, March 24.

But the U’s have banned their stars from heading abroad during the break.

Robinson told talkSPORT: “We have got a rule where nobody can leave the country, but I don’t think you can go anywhere anyway”