Kenny Jackett confirms no coronavirus symptoms among Portsmouth squad following Arsenal Cup game

The Blues took on Arsenal in the FA Cup last week – four days after several Gunners’ players had contact with Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has since tested positive for the virus.

The Premier League side’s game against Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday night was postponed, with five players and some staff members in self isolation.

There was never any indication that any of the Blues players who took to the field against Arsenal on Monday, March 2, were at risk.

And as the Blues prepare to take on Accrington at Fratton Park on Saturday – a game that could be played behind closed doors if reported government measures to combat coronavirus are put in place – manager Jackett confirmed no-one within Pompey had shown symptoms of the virus.

He said a common sense approach had been adopted by the club, adding that people’s safety is top priority should be the top priority if a decision is taken to conclude the season behind closed doors.

Pompey have 10 League One games remaining this season, while they are due to face Sunderland in the Leasing.com Trophy at Wembley – a game that has seen the Blues sell in excess of 50,000 tickets for the game.

When asked about coronavirus today, Jackett said: ‘A common sense approach (has been adopted).

‘Nobody inside the club or the players have any of the symptoms, which is the first thing.

‘And then we have to minimalise handshaking and perhaps the amount of human contact that we have.

‘So, like I said, a common sesne approach and we wait for advice – obviously, firstly from the government and the footballing authorities, and ultimately then our board of directors.

You look at the situation around with obviously the NBA, La Liga etc, etc, and what’s happening in different countries and in other industries.

‘It’s a situation that I’m sure is being constantly assessed, but in my view whatever is needed for the safety of people is the most important thing.’

He added: ‘We’ve trained as usual this week.

‘There’s been nothing from our end, and as I said, although we’ve minimalised contact, nobody has any symptoms, so that’s good news.’