The Blues’ preparations for the 2021-22 Premier League campaign have been hit by an outbreak on the training ground among a group of players
Chelsea narrowly avoided an Arsenal-like Covid-19 shutdown after several gaming staff tested positive for the virus.
A first-team player and some from the academy building tested positive and had to self-isolate for 10 days during the club’s pre-season preparations.
Sources said But that there was a risk of temporarily canceling their training camp in Ireland, but additional tests allowed key players to travel in and out of their periods of isolation as a result of contact with those who had tested positive.
Editor’s choices
What does this mean for Chelsea?
For Chelsea, it remains as usual as Thomas Tuchel aims for a preseason as normal as possible to implement his ideas.
Tuchel has already tested a new formation in the first 6-1 pre-season win over Peterborough United, which was played behind closed doors.
There will be another closed-door game in Ireland against a home side before Chelsea face Bournemouth, Tottenham and Arsenal in front of nearly full stadiums.
The bigger picture
While many footballers are still on vacation due to their participation in summer tournaments, there are concerns about further periods of self-isolation for key players ahead of the new season.
It extends beyond Chelsea, with Arsenal set to cancel their tour of the United States, where they were due to face Inter on Saturday and a second game against either Everton or Millonarios.
The Gunners have had several positive tests and see the playing staff isolating themselves, while a smaller group now continues to train.
Manchester City has also seen a Covid-19 outbreak shutting down its academy building, which remains in a bubble away from its first team setup.
The rise in football cases comes during a huge spike in wider society in the UK, as coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday.
With footballers and their families now having more freedoms as cases continue to rise, the game fears this could have an impact on the start of the new season.
Further reading
–
