Sunderland's rivals become fifth League One side to confirm COVID-19 outbreak as crisis grows

Manager Paul Lambert is one of a group of six players and staff at Portman Road to have tested positive for the virus.

The club had opted to test all senior players and staff on Friday after a player reported symptoms on Friday, with the test results returned on Saturday night.

Lambert's side had been due to face Peterborough Town on Saturday afternoon, a clash that was postponed after an outbreak amongst Darren Ferguson's squad.

One Posh player returned a positive test, with three others displaying symptoms when the club opted to postpone its next three fixtures.

Portsmouth had confirmed on Saturday morning that defender Jack Whatmough had been withdrawn from their 2-0 win over Hull City on Friday night due to illness, and subsequently returned a positive test.

No other players are displaying symptoms, but the club have tested those who may have been in close proximity with the 24-year-old.

Bristol Rovers and Sunderland both suffered outbreaks earlier this week, with the former postponing two fixtures.

Fearful of a potential sanction from the EFL amid a lack of clarity around COVID-19 guidelines, Sunderland chose to play against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night despite having one player testing positive, and seven others being required to self-isolate.

However, when a further round of testing produced another four positive results, the Black Cats postponed fixtures against Shrewsbury Town, Blackpool and Hull City.

After strong guidance from Public Health England, the club also shut the Academy of Light for ten days.

As it stands, Lee Johnson's squad are set to return to training on December 27th, before travelling to Accrington Stanley two days later.

The Echo understands that the outbreak at Sunderland has continued to grow, with more positive tests returned in the early part of the weekend.

The entire Black Cats squad had already been told to follow strict self-isolation guidelines in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak.

CEO Jim Rodwell said the raft of measures were 'responsible' earlier this week.

All clubs who have postponed fixtures this season are facing an EFL investigation.

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