Oxford step up Portsmouth preparations as latest tests come back negative

All tests, which were carried out on Sunday, have come back negative – allowing the U’s to once again step up their preparations for their League One play-off semi-final against Pompey at the start of next month.

Two members of the Oxford set-up tested positive for the virus on Friday, forcing Karl Robinson’s side to cancel a friendly they had arranged against an unnamed Championship side on Saturday.

Yesterday, the Blues revealed they too had no new cases of Covid-19 following further tests.

However, two players remain in isolation after testing positive last week.

Pompey will carry out further tests today or tomorrow as they too look ahead to their double-header against the U’s.

Speaking to Oxford’s official website, Robinson said: ‘Friday was a setback with the two positive tests but there are going to be so many ups and downs over the next few weeks and you just have to adapt and trust in the processes.

‘The two who tested positive had no symptoms but the health, and the health of everyone’s families, is the big thing so they will stay away this week but will be able to return next Monday.

‘Meanwhile the rest of us will keep working hard, keep moving forward and make sure we are ready for the play-off games’.

Pompey host Oxford at Fratton Park on Friday, July 3 (5.30pm), before travelling to the Kassam Stadium on Monday July 6 (5pm).

The winners of that semi-final will then meet either Wycombe or Fleetwood in the play-off final at Wembley on Monday, July 13 (7.30pm).