Sunderland AFC 'closely monitoring' coronavirus outbreak as international risk identified

Phil Parkinson says Sunderland AFC are ‘closely monitoring’ the outbreak of coronavirus – with the risk of players jetting-off on international duty identified.
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There are now 19 confirmed cases of the virus in the United Kingdom, and the Black Cats are keeping close tabs on the situation – particularly given the fact that a number of their players are set to jet-off on international duty in the coming weeks.

With the next international window scheduled for mid-March, Parkinson confirmed that preliminary talks had already been held with the club doctor as to how best to manage the situation.

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And Sunderland’s precautions won’t just extend to those representing their country.

Sunderland AFC are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreakSunderland AFC are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak
Sunderland AFC are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak

The international break hands Parkinson a chance to hand players some time off, but he has urged the Black Cats to be ‘sensible’ when selecting potential holiday destinations,

“We’ve obviously had a meeting with our doctor earlier in the week, because with the international break coming up we’ll have players travelling abroad,” said the Sunderland boss.

“We’re discussing not just the ones away on international duty, but if we do give the lads a few days off there is issues obviously.

“So we’re closely monitoring the situation ourselves.”

“You’ve got to be sensible,” he continued.

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“If anyone was to go away and couldn’t get back in the country, it wouldn’t look very good on us as a club and them as individuals.

“Hopefully things will improve, but at the moment there’s no sign of that.”