Tottenham has been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak ahead of Thursday’s Europa
Conference League match against Stade Rennais F.C
team players and two members of backroom staff are
believed to have tested positive for Covid, and Spurs are waiting for the results of PCR
tests to confirm the extent of the problem.
The 10-day period of self-isolation for anyone who tests positive means Spurs’
players hit by the outbreak are set to miss their next three games.
After facing Rennes, Antonio Conte’s side return to Premier League action with a trip
to Brighton on Sunday, before they travel to Leicester City next Thursday and host
Liverpool on December 19.
Tottenham declined to comment when contacted by Sky Sports News.
UEFA’s guidelines state a match is only in jeopardy if a team have fewer than 13
players available, or no registered goalkeeper.
UEFA said in a statement to the PA news agency on Tuesday afternoon: “The match is
due to take place as scheduled.”
In the Premier League, the 2021-22 handbook states permission will not be granted
to postpone a league match if a club has 14 or more players on its squad list
available.
However, postponing league games is taken on a case-by-case basis and the decision
would be made by the Premier League board if a request is received from a club.
On Monday, the Premier League confirmed there had been 12 positive tests across
two rounds of testing between November 29 and December 5.
That was the highest total for a week this season since August 9-15 (16 positive),
while the week of November 22-28 there were seven positive tests.
The Premier League initially uses lateral flow tests, and anyone who tests positive
will then take a PCR test to confirm the result.
