Premier League clubs confirm positive Covid-19 tests ahead of Project Restart

Six positive tests for Covid-19 have been announced by Premier League sides after players returned to non-contact training as the Premier League aims to restart.

One player and two members of Watford staff, Burnley’s assistant manager along with two others at a third club have tested positive for Covid-19 and will now self-isolate for a seven-day period. 748 players and staff were tested across the Premier League clubs, Watford have not revealed the player who tested positive and the third club is yet to be announced.

The announcement comes after players returned to training in small groups whilst following new strict guidelines such as training equipment being frequently disinfected, and a time limit being placed on sessions. The League is also aiming for players to shortly return to full team training so that Project Restart can meet its current start date of 12th June.

Several players, including Newcastle defender Danny Rose and Watford captain Troy Deeney, have voiced their concerns over returning to training and restarting the league before it is safe to do so. Deeney said “We're due back in this week. I've said I'm not going in, it only takes one person to get infected within the group and I don't want to be bringing that home. My son is only five months old. He had breathing difficulties, so I don't want to come home to put him in more danger.” Watford manager Nigel Pearson has also expressed concerns and confirmed that he would not force players to return to training.

The German Bundesliga restarted this past weekend behind closed doors and the Premier League was hoping to follow suit on 12th June, but it is now likely that this date will be pushed back following the positive tests.