Four players of the Premier League side, Chelsea, have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) throwing their pre-season into disarray.
The infected players have been put in isolation leaving the squad lean and affecting their preparations for 2020/2021 season which kicks on September 13.
The who tested positive are forwards Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and defender Fikayo Tomori.
EPL introduced a protocol that requires all players to undergo covid-19 test before resuming action. The Chelsea reports comes hours after France and Manchester United’s midfielder Paul Pogba also tested positive for the virus.
France manager Didier Deschamps announced that the star player missed a national call up as he will self-isolate for two weeks.
But the 27-year-old will miss France’s Nations League game in Sweden on Saturday, 5 September and the home game against Croatia three days later but he will be eligible for EPL match against Crystal Palace on September 19.
Other clubs with players who have tested positive for covid-19 include Brighton, West Ham and Sheffield United.
English Premier League clubs have reported a total of 14 positive cases so far with less than a month to resume with authorities questioning the ability of clubs to protect players.
Chelsea is set to play a friendly match against Brighton on Saturday with 2,500 fans who will be required to adhere to social distancing rules.
