Chelsea are set to return to their pre-season training before the new Premier League season begins but according to the Daily Mail, at least half-a-dozen of their players have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The report cites The Telegraph stating: “Chelsea’s preparations for the new season have been thrown into turmoil after they were hit by a coronavirus outbreak – with eight of their players missing pre-season as they self-isolate.
“The Blues have confirmed a number of players have tested positive for Covid-19 and are in quarantine to limit the threat of further spreading among Frank Lampard’s squad.
“Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi are also reported to be staying away from Chelsea’s Cobham base.
“It is not known which of the players have tested positive. The Telegraph report that six players have the virus and a further two are quarantining because of close contact with those affected.”
This is a huge blow for Frank Lampard and his preparations for the 2020/21 season which is set to begin next month as Chelsea will take on Brighton and Hove Albion away from home in their season opener.
In other news, the Blues on Wednesday evening have confirmed the signing of left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester City on a five-year deal and they are also expected to wrap up the signing of defender Thiago Silva by the end of Thursday.
Chilwell joins Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner who arrived at Stamford Bridge during the past couple of months from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively.
