Sheffield Wednesday's fixtures against Coventry and Wycombe SUSPENDED due to coronavirus outbreak

Sheffield Wednesday caught in coronavirus crisis with fixtures against Coventry and Wycombe SUSPENDED due to club’s coronavirus outbreak

  • A worrying spate of coronavirus cases has caused recent chaos across the EFL 
  • Sheffield Wednesday became the latest club to be hit with several positive cases 
  • It has now been confirmed the club’s next two games have now been postponed 
  • Wednesday’s training facilities were closed last week to prevent further spread 

Sheffield Wednesday’s next two Championship fixtures have been postponed, the club have announced.

In a statement, it was revealed that the EFL have been informed that, due to several positive coronavirus tests, first team players and staff must now self-isolate. 

The news comes during a worrying spate of new cases across the EFL – and with the authorities having doubled down on strict guidelines to help stave off fears of a shutdown. 

Sheffield Wednesday's next two fixtures have been suspended due to a coronavirus outbreak

Sheffield Wednesday’s next two fixtures have been suspended due to a coronavirus outbreak

‘Sheffield Wednesday’s next two Sky Bet Championship fixtures against Coventry City (Saturday 16 January) and Wycombe Wanderers (Tuesday 19 January) have been suspended,’ the statement read.

‘The club informed the EFL that we would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following recent positive COVID-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

‘Revised dates for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course.’

Andy Holdsworth, Wednesday's academy coach, had stepped in to take charge at the weekend

Andy Holdsworth, Wednesday’s academy coach, had stepped in to take charge at the weekend

The Hillsborough outfit had been scheduled to take on Coventry City on January 16 and Wycombe Wanderers on January 19.

Wednesday’s training complex was closed last week, however, after a ‘significant’ number of positive cases were unearthed.

Caretaker boss Neil Thompson, as well as assistant coaches Lee Bullen, Nicky Weaver and Steven Haslam, was among those forced into quarantine after contracting the virus.   

The club were only able to select a handful of established first-team stars for their FA Cup win

The club were only able to select a handful of established first-team stars for their FA Cup win

Andy Holdsworth, the club’s academy coach, took charge of the 2-0 win over Exeter City in the FA Cup third round at the weekend. 

A number of youth team players, predominantly from the under-23s group, were drafted into the first team for the cup clash.

Only several first-team stars were available for selection – and Holdsworth’s bench consisted of only three outfield players.

source: dailymail.co.uk