Derby and Shrewsbury hit by Covid outbreaks

WAYNE Rooney and Derby’s entire first-team squad will miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Chorley following the coronavirus outbreak which has closed their training ground.

The Rams will instead field a team made up of under-23 and under-18 players at Victory Park on Saturday afternoon.

A number of first-team players and staff returned positive tests for

Covid-19 on Monday, with the club’s training facilities subsequently closed.

Derby issued a statement on Monday, confirming the closure of their training ground, and saying the club was “in dialogue with the EFL and Football Association in relation to upcoming fixtures”.

FA Cup rules state that clubs are expected to fulfil their fixtures if they have 14 eligible players - including from the under-23 and under-18 squads - available, though there is scope for appeal.

The fixture at Chorley’s Victory Park has been selected for live TV coverage and is scheduled to kick-off at 12.15pm on Saturday.

Shrewsbury have confirmed several players and staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.

The Sky Bet League One side are due to travel to Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

“The club have informed Shropshire Public Health, EFL, and the FA of the current situation and we will continue discussions with the relevant football authorities,” a club statement read.

More clubs are expected to reveal their test results today.