Portsmouth reveal latest on Ronan Curtis absence amid coronavirus scare

Assistant manager Joe Gallen insists there have been no fresh developments over the Republic of Ireland winger following Sunday’s first-team absence.

Curtis is self-isolating after feeling unwell, subsequently ruling him out of the FA Cup defeat at Bristol City.

Pompey’s squad and staff were tested on Tuesday last week – with following-day results indicating an all-clear.

However, according to Gallen, Curtis subsequently fell ill on Thursday evening, on a scheduled day off for the players.

And there have not yet been any fresh developments over his health.

Gallen told The News: ‘I haven’t spoken to Ronan today. The latest is still the same.

‘Ronan was tested last Tuesday, as we all were, and they all came back clear, which is really good.

‘Then he felt ill before the game at the weekend, which is disappointing because had he been fit and well he would have been playing.

‘Last week, we were in on Wednesday and off Thursday. He got ill on Thursday evening and I haven’t seen him since.

‘The process going forward is we are looking for Ronan to come back in this week and to be available for the weekend at Fleetwood.

‘The lads who played Sunday are back tomorrow. Hopefully he could be in tomorrow as well if he is well enough – or he’s back in Thursday because we’re off Wednesday.

‘Hopefully we can get Ronan back for the league game at Fleetwood.’

Football League clubs are scheduled to undergo testing twice a week following the PFA’s pledge to fund the costly process.

However, no tests at Pompey were taken today, with Gallen unsure when they will take place.

He added: ‘I don’t think testing going to be Tuesday, it will be difficult to test tomorrow with us having a game at Peterborough, but by Thursday I am sure we all will.’

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