Portsmouth boss continues to respect decision of player yet to return to training ahead of Oxford play-off

The unnamed member of the Blues’ squad continues to opt out of preparations for the League One play-offs – as is the right of any person as part of the government’s guidelines for football returning amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Unknown elements of the virus means Jackett understands that everyone has different feelings on whether they feel it’s safe to return to action.

A second player also turned down the opportunity to join up with his team-mates while they were training at a social distance, but has since returned to training now Covid-19 testing takes place twice per week.

Pompey boss Jackett said: ‘I’d never want someone to come in through any situation, not just Covid.

‘That hasn’t changed and you have to want to come in. You have to want to work.

‘Until that changes I understand and respect that position. But has the situation changed? No it hasn’t.

‘Everyone has their own opinions on the situation and their own personal situations. I have to respect that.

‘There isn’t history to look back on being a new virus and how it affects different parts of the community could vary.’

Pompey had two players who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month, although neither were showing any symptoms.

The pair, who were not named by the club, self-isolated in accordance to EFL guidelines.

In the latest round of testing, all players and staff members tested negative.

In March, James Bolton, Andy Cannon, Haji Mnoga, Ross McCrorie and Sean Raggett all tested positive and have made full recoveries.