Mark Catlin: Portsmouth coronavirus pair could return to training next week for build up to Oxford

The pair, who have requested not to be named, are presently self-isolating for seven days.

They were diagnosed with coronavirus following mandatory testing of players and staff at the training ground on Monday.

However, despite that worrying outcome, neither player is reporting symptoms.

It represents a blow to the Blues, who had recorded a clean bill of health when results from the previous round of testing were announced on Sunday.

Pompey were the only members of League One’s play-off clubs to register positive in the latest findings, with Oxford United, Fleetwood and Wycombe unaffected.

The Blues pair will next be eligible for testing on Monday.

And, providing they receive the all-clear, could be allowed back on Tuesday as the club builds towards the play-off semi-finals.

Chief executive Mark Catlin told The News: ‘The players are presently self-isolating with immediate family they live with.

‘It is for seven days and, at that point, they will be tested on Monday, along with everybody else.

‘They will then be able to come back into training if there is a negative result.’

Wednesday night also saw the Football League announce six people from four Championship clubs had tested positive.

With testing carried out across all divisions from Sunday to Monday, it represented the fifth round for the Championship, who are back in league action on June 20.

Meanwhile, in League Two, play-off contenders Cheltenham, Exeter, Colchester and Northampton registered negative.

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