Scott Parker will not take his place in the Fulham dugout for the Boxing Day match against Southampton after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
The Fulham head coach returned a negative test but has been self-isolating this week in accordance with government guidelines, the club have announced.
Matt Wells and Stuart Gray are set to take charge of the team on Saturday. Parker could return for Fulham’s trip to Tottenham on 30 December, subject to providing a further negative test result.
Parker said: “I’m feeling well, a member of my household tested positive. Of course I’ll do all I can from home. I’ll be in constant dialogue and I’ll have a main line with the dugout. I’ll have a laptop up with different screens showing different angles. No doubt I’ve got great coaches and a great staff who will take the reins.”
Fulham Football Club
(@FulhamFC)ℹ️ Scott Parker will not be in the dugout on Boxing Day, after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
Matt Wells & Stuart Gray will take charge of the team for the Southampton fixture.#FFC
Asked if coaching from home during lockdown had been similar, Parker added: “Yeah it’s very similar, obviously I think the lockdown period gave us some ideas of how to cope from after although it is different this time because we’re in competition. I just want to get back and be amongst it and with the team on the front line really.”
Fulham currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, with 10 points from 14 matches – two points behind 17th-placed Brighton and three points ahead of West Brom in 19th.