Sunderland without EIGHT players for AFC Wimbledon clash after COVID outbreak

Sunderland are without EIGHT senior players for the clash with AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night after a COVID-19 outbreak at the club.
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The Black Cats have confirmed that they have had one positive test at the club, which has then required seven players to self-isolate.

Two of those are displaying symptoms.

The club had hoped to postpone the fixture, but said that they ‘disappointingly’ could not reach an agreement with the EFL.

Sunderland will be without eight players after a COVID outbreakSunderland will be without eight players after a COVID outbreak
Sunderland will be without eight players after a COVID outbreak
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“Due to the severity of the impact this has had on the team’s preparations for Tuesday’s match, the club explored the option of postponing the fixture and engaged in extensive dialogue with the EFL,” a club statement said.

“Disappointingly, an agreement couldn’t be reached due to the lack of clarity regarding potential sanctions SAFC could face in the event that the fixture was unfulfilled.”

With no clear rules set out by the EFL on what constitutes a postponement, the club would have been subject to an investigation which could have risked a fine or points deduction.

Lee Johnson will have to field a significantly reshuffled side, with his task made harder by the fact that a number of U23 players who will now be named in the squad completed 90 minutes in a 3-1 win over Norwich City on Monday afternoon.

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Mitchell Curry, who scored twice in that game, is one of the players expected to be involved against AFC Wimbledon.

The Black Cats insist they have adhered to all protocols set out by EFL, and will not name the players affected.

They have asked for the privacy of those players to be respected.

The Sunderland statement in full….

Sunderland AFC will be without eight first-team players when they host AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Academy of Light.

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After displaying symptoms of coronavirus on Sunday, one senior player has returned a positive test for Covid-19 and is currently observing a period of isolation.

In line with Government advice, seven other first-team players are also self-isolating at home – two of which have displayed symptoms – after coming into close proximity with the individual that has tested positive.

Due to the severity of the impact this has had on the team’s preparations for Tuesday’s match, the club explored the option of postponing the fixture and engaged in extensive dialogue with the EFL.

Disappointingly, an agreement couldn’t be reached due to the lack of clarity regarding potential sanctions SAFC could face in the event that the fixture was unfulfilled.

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The club introduced wide-ranging protocols to protect its players and staff following the initial outbreak of coronavirus in the United Kingdom in March, including the closure of the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.

Since returning to training ahead of the 2020-21 season, SAFC has continued to follow these comprehensive protocols to the letter and adhered to all of the latest advice and guidance provided by the Government and the EFL.

The club will not be naming individuals who are currently self-isolating and asks that their privacy is respected.