On-loan Portsmouth forward out of action for rest of year - here's why

Jack Whatmough and four other players tested positive for Covid-19, meaning today’s Boxing Day fixture against Swindon and the trip to Bristol Rovers on December 29 were postponed.

And despite being out on loan, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is also in a similar situation and won’t play another game in 2020.

The forward has been thriving at Bromley, after returning to his former club in September.

However, the National League outfit had a positive coronavirus test before Christmas and been placed into a 10-day isolation period.

As a result, today’s game with Sutton United was cancelled along with their meeting against Dagenham & Redbridge on December 29 and trip to Sutton on January 2.

A club statement said: ‘Following confirmed positive Covid-19 test results within the squad, the club has been placed into 10-day isolation period with immediate effect,” said Bromley in a statement on their club website.“The safety of our players and staff has always been at the forefront of our actions during this pandemic and, in line with Government and National League guidance, the club will now be closed for first-team activity and staff will isolate for 10 days.

‘We will update supporters on any further news but for now supporters should note that our Boxing Day home fixture will be postponed, as will our two away fixtures at Dagenham & Redbridge and Sutton United. New dates for these matches will be confirmed in due course.

‘In the meantime, we wish members of our staff a quick recovery and we hope everyone in the community is keeping safe and well at this time.’

Bromley’s hiatus represents a blow for Hackett-Fairchild.

The ex-Charlton man has been in excellent form, scoring two goals in 12 games to thrust the Ravens into the promotion race.

He was also named man of the match in Bromley’s 1-0 victory over Solihull Moors in front of the BT Sport cameras earlier this month.

Hackett-Fairchild assisted Michael Cheek’s first-half goal and was rewarded with a £200 charitable donation, which went to Chartwell Cancer Trust.