Mark Catlin reveals extent Portsmouth players hit by coronavirus in distressing period as club join EFL rivals Sunderland and Ipswich in being impacted hard

The Blues have today entered their own ‘circuit-breaker’ with the extent of the breakout in the first-team ranks laid bare.

A total of five senior players have now tested positive for Covid-19 after the entire first-team staff’s tests were returned today.

That means games against Swindon and Bristol Rovers have been postponed over the Christmas period as the relevant players isolate.

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It’s a huge blow to Kenny Jackett’s men coming so soon after they went to the head of the League One table and their place there for Christmas was confirmed.

But Catlin explained that disappointment has been put firmly into context when seeing the impact the disease has had on the players concerned.

He said: ‘We’ve introduced our own mini circuit-breaker by shutting down group training and closing down the training ground to group training sessions.

‘We’ve had a complete test of all the players and backroom staff and two more players have been added to the three who tested positive, so we have five players who’ve tested positive.

‘We are now putting those from the squad who are required into self-isolation over the next five to 10 days.

‘Without breaching confidentiality for those who tested positive, it’s fair to say generally that last time the vast majority of those who tested positive were asymptomatic.

‘This time they do seem to have symptoms which is obviously of wider concern to not just Portsmouth.

‘I can’t comment on whether it’s the new strain or not but there seems a higher percentage of players who are having symptoms.

‘To be honest, it has been quite traumatic with players ill, with testing and to a lesser degree the deflation of having to stop our routine when we were on such a good run.

‘Generally, these last few days have been a shock to the system for everyone associated with the club.

‘We have players who’ve tested positive for coronavirus. You can’t underestimate the impact that’s had on them and their families. Our thoughts and best wishes are with them.’

Despite fears about what lies ahead for English football, Catlin explained Pompey are currently looking towards the trip to Accrington on January 2 as a return date.

Jackett will take a pragmatic approach to preparing for that with the club’s training base closed at present and no group training taking place.

There will be the opportunity for players to maintain fitness individually moving forward, however.

Catlin added: ‘People in general society aligned with players are allowed to exercise in Tier 4.

‘As such, we have a safe, secure environment and will make that available for players should they want to do their individual programme.

‘Given the earliest opportunity players are allowed back, Kenny will be taking that opportunity to prepare for Accrington.

‘While we are exercising our own mini circuit-breaker we are looking to the future.

‘We can’t let the events of recent days affect our mid to long term plans for preparing for games.

‘However, it’s about priorities. While football is very important to us all the health and safety of our players and staff is of paramount importance.’

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