Portsmouth rocked by coronavirus crisis
Portsmouth have been rocked by the news that three of their first-team squad have tested positive for coronavirus.
According to The Sun, the former Premier League side had their entire first-team playing and coaching staff tested earlier this week as they weigh up returning to training in the coming days.
But the first batch of results has revealed that trio James Bolton, Andy Cannon and Sean Raggett all have coronavirus.
Portsmouth have now been left anxiously waiting for the rest of the results in fear that there are others with the deadly virus.
Chief executive Mark Catlin said: ‘I received the news last night and immediately spoke to Kenny and head physio Bobby Bacic. Kenny and I then spoke to all three players.
‘Football is not immune from this virus and I can assure you that it only really hits home when those that you know contract it.
‘All three players were in good spirits and perfectly calm – showing mild or no symptoms – and are looking forward to overcoming it as quickly as possible.
‘We once again urge everyone to follow the current government guidelines.’
It comes after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus on March 12, just 10 days after the Gunners beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
However, the amount of time that has passed since then means it is unlikely that was the source of infection.
Arteta’s diagnosis and the positive test of Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi prompted the shut down of the Premier League and English football.
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It was announced on Thursday that the suspension of the domestic game has now been extended to April 30 at the earliest.
Portsmouth are currently fourth in League One and well in the hunt for automatic promotion to the Championship.
English football’s governing bodies also revealed on Thursday that they have every intention of concluding the 2019-20 campaign, changing the FA’s laws that state a season must be finished by June 1.