Peterborough United's League One promotion rivals rocked by MORE positive Covid-19 tests

Portsmouth have been hit with more positive Covid-19 tests, with multiple additional cases detected.
Portsmouth have been hit with more positive Covid-19 tests. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Portsmouth have been hit with more positive Covid-19 tests. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Portsmouth have been hit with more positive Covid-19 tests. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Pompey confirmed on Saturday morning that Jack Whatmough had been withdrawn from their 2-0 win at Hull City on Friday night due to illness, and subsequently returned a positive test.

Two other senior players then followed suit on Sunday, while winger Ryan Williams was forced to isolate.

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And as reported by our sister title The News, multiple positive tests of Covid-19 at the Fratton Park club have been found as the deep extent of the outbreak at the club becomes clearer.

Kenny Jackett’s men were due to host Swindon Town on Boxing Day before going to Bristol Rovers on December 29

Their first game of 2021 is scheduled to see them go up against Accrington on January 2, but that could now be in doubt.

Ipswich Town became the fifth League One team in a week to confirm an outbreak after Peterborough United, Bristol Rovers and Sunderland.

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All clubs who have postponed fixtures this season are facing an EFL investigation, who continue to monitor the situation.

Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin said earlier in the week that they were currently no plans to suspend the season, though warned the ‘landscape can change drastically’ as the virus grips the country.

He said: “I speak to a lot of people in football and once it starts to get a grip within a squad it just seems to spiral out of control.

“I’m sure that’s replicated through businesses and schools currently throughout the world.

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“There’s no plans that I’m aware in terms of meetings to discuss a possible suspension.

“But I have to caveat that, that football, society and the world view on this terrible disease changes daily.

“Just because last night that wasn’t the case doesn’t mean that won’t be today.

“I can’t say it won’t loom its head but at this current time I’ve not spoken to anyone else who’s voicing that opinion.

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“But as we’ve found out the landscape can change drastically within a few hours.

“Just a couple of days ago people were looking forward to seeing family and friends over Christmas but can’t see them.

“Portsmouth’s gone from tier two to tier four.

“So things change very, very quickly and football’s not exempt from that.”