Portsmouth's promotion rivals Peterborough forced to postpone next three league games

The Posh’s games against Ipswich (tomorrow), Gilingham (Boxing Day) and Charlton (December 29) have been called off after one player test positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, another three squad members are displaying symptoms.

As a result, all players and coaching staff at the London Road outfit will have to self-isolate for 10 days.

Peterorough, who sit third in the League One table – behind the Blues on goal difference – will next play on January 2 when they host Doncaster Rovers.

They are due to entertain Kenny Jackett’s side on Tuesday, January 12 in the last 16 of the Papa John’s Trophy.

Like Portsmouth, the city will move into tier 3 Covid restrictions tomorrow after reaching a rate of 297 cases per 100,000 of the population.

This week, Sunderland also announced that they would have to postpone games due to an outbreak of coronavirus.

The Black Cats are not expected to return to action until December 29, when they face Accrington.

An EFL spokesperson said: ‘The club (Peterborough) informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following a recent positive Covid-19 test and the the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate for 10 days as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

‘The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.

‘Revised dates for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course.’

Pompey beat Peterborough 2-0 when they visited Fratton Park on Saturday, December 5.