Portsmouth boss delivers crucial update on health of players who tested positive for coronavirus

All of the five players who tested positive for Covid-19 are now back in training, along with those who were forced to self-isolate following the Blues outbreak.

They may be forced to wait to return to action, however, with the trip to Accrington in doubt as a result of a frozen pitch at the Crown Ground.

That will be a blow with Pompey already facing a congested schedule, but Jackett delivered positive news from within the camp.

He said: ‘All of the players have been back and Lee Brown is just at the back end of his injury now and is okay in training.

‘We’ve had a good week’s training this week in terms of a full week, which is a good news.

‘We closed the training ground because of several positive tests.

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‘We needed to do that to stop any re-infections and to allow the players who were positive to clear up.

‘For us, it’s been good to get back to our working week and normality, albeit frustrating if there’s no game to look forward to at the end of it.

‘We have been able to tick over in training this week, though, which has been good for us.’

Jackett confirmed Pompey’s squad are all comfortable with playing on this season through the intensifying spread of coronavirus across the country.

Jack Whatmough opted out in the summer with his partner about to give birth, but all the players are comfortable continuing at this moment.

Jackett added: ‘Everyone has been okay (with coming back to train).

‘As far as we’re concerned no one is showing any symptoms or concerns in terms of us looking after them and making sure it’s a safe environment.

‘We did the first day when we split into sections and did some socially distant training.

‘Then after that it’s been full group training.

‘A few people who were isolating had to do one or two more days.

‘They did their work at home though and by today (Thursday) everybody is back.

‘That’s good news. Certain people had different schedules in terms of the 10 days needed to isolate.

‘I think the players look in good shape still and don’t look like they’ve lost anything, even if they’re slightly frustrated by the games being off.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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