Sports News of Friday, 13 March 2020

Source: pulse.com.gh

Calum Hudson-Odoi tests positive for Coronavirus

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea midfielder of Ghanaian parents Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for Coronavirus, so the entire team has been locked down.

The 19-year-old's positive test throws Saturday's fixture against Aston Villa into doubt, with Arsenal's match against Brighton & Hove Albion already postponed after manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus.

"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 said in a statement on Friday morning.

"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." Arsenal's game at Manchester City on Wednesday was postponed as a number of their players had met Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Greek club Olympiakos Piraeus, who contracted the virus.

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, who has three players in self-isolation after showing symptoms of the virus, has called for the season to be stopped.