TheCable

Chelsea have confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi, England winger, tested positive for coronavirus.

The first-team squad, coaching staff and some members of the club’s backroom staff are to self-isolate after Hudson-Odoi’s positive test result was confirmed on Thursday night.

Despite the result, Chelsea said the 19-year-old was “doing well”.

Hudson-Odoi displayed symptoms of cold on Monday morning and has stayed away from the club since then.

His test result was returned on Thursday night making him the first Premier League player known to have contracted the virus.

“Chelsea men’s team player Callum Hudson-Odoi had a positive test result for Coronavirus returned this evening. Chelsea personnel who had recent close contact with the player in the men’s team building will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines,” Chelsea FC statement said.

“These will include initially the full men’s team squad, coaching staff and a number of backroom staff.

“It is expected that those who did not have close contact with Callum will return to work in the coming days. In the meantime, the men’s team building, one of several separate buildings at our training ground, will remain closed. The rest of our training facility, Stamford Bridge and our other facilities are operating as normal.

“Callum displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution. However, his test came in positive this evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible.

“We will continue to adhere to Government and Public Health Guidelines with regard to our facilities and staff and will be discussing next steps with regards to upcoming fixtures with the Premier League on Friday morning. We will provide further updates as necessary via the club’s website.

“We wish Callum a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the club soon.”

It is expected that Chelsea’s game against Aston Villa on Saturday will now be postponed.

The Premier League will hold a meeting on Friday morning to decide how to proceed after a chaotic night for English football’s top flight.

Following advice given by Boris Johnson, prime minister of Britain, the Premier League initially announced matches this weekend would go ahead as planned.

OTHER CASES OF CORONAVIRUS IN SPORTS

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, became the first EPL manager to be confirmed to have contracted coronavirus on Thursday.

Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City is also self-isolating as a precautionary measure after a family member tested for coronavirus.

Real Madrid have placed their players in self-isolation after one of the club’s basketball players, who share facilities with Real’s football players, tested positive for the virus.

Juventus’ Daniele Rugani was also reported to have contracted the virus which led Cristiano Ronaldo to place himself on self-isolation in Portugal as a safety measure.

Rugiani’s situation also compelled compatriot, Paolo Dybala to place himself on voluntary isolation.

Brenda Rodgers, Leicester City’s manager, also disclosed that three of his players tested positive for the virus.

Utah Jazz All-Star forward Donovan Mitchell confirmed he had contracted the virus after his teammate, Rudy Gobert, became the first player to test positive in the NBA.

Sampdoria’s Manolo Gabbiadini became the second Serie A player to test positive for coronavirus, his club said on Thursday after Rugiani.