As has been the case at Arsenal, anyone who has been in contact with Hudson-Odoi will begin a period of isolation to try and limit the spread of COVID-19. That includes the whole Chelsea first-team, as well as coaching staff and other backroom staff.
Chelsea, for whom training was cancelled on Thursday and a thorough clean of the training ground ordered when an individual described at the time as ‘close’ to the squad showed symptoms, have additionally confirmed that the first-team building at Cobham will remain closed.
A statement from the club read: “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.”
Prior to Arteta’s diagnosis, the Premier League had confirmed that all weekend fixtures were to go ahead as normal, with fans in the stadium. That is despite a number of other countries around the world suspending all football activity for the next couple of weeks at least.
However, in light of Arteta’s confirmed case, the Premier League issued a follow up statement confirming an emergency meeting on Friday morning. Hudson-Odoi’s diagnosis will only strengthen the argument for the Premier League to follow the example of others and put itself on pause.
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Source : 90min