Bristol City have been hit by further positive Covid test results following the announcement of Famara Diedhiou self-isolating last week.
The Robins explained ahead of facing Cardiff City on Friday that the Senegal international forward had returned a positive result and would not be able to play in the Severnside Derby, and now the club has been hit by further positive test results after testing the entire squad and accompanying staff.
Bristol Live understands that it is both senior first-team players and staff affected, and the fresh results come off the back of Bristol City Women being depleted at the weekend in their WSL fixture against Manchester City, with one player displaying symptoms and four other household members then requiring to isolate too – though there is no suggestion that the events are connected.
The Robins are extremely lucky with the timing and those affected must now self-isolate for 10 days, as per National Health guidelines and EFL protocols. Most are believed to be asymptomatic and it is unknown if head coach Dean Holden is one of those affected.
The fortnight between league fixtures means that any players and staff should return late next week ahead of facing Derby County in City’s next Championship match.
It is believed that a round of testing took place today and the disruption should hopefully be minimal ahead of facing the Rams thanks to the international break, although it might equate to a late return from international duty given the timescales involved. Bristol Live understands that the number is more than five but will not be naming anyone affected.
Bristol City have abided by the EFL’s testing requirements, which stipulate that clubs should test anybody at the training ground who displays symptoms.
Following Diedhiou displaying symptoms last week, the 27-year-old was tested, along with the other playing staff. The club hopes that there will be no knock-on affect to facing Phillip Cocu and his team at Ashton Gate next.
Diedhiou was due to link up with the Senegal squad this week to face Guinea-Bissau on 11 and 15 November but later withdrew from the travelling party.
A short statement on City’s club website confirmed last week that: “Famara and his wife presented with symptoms on Wednesday, November 4 and they immediately self-isolated.
“In line with the most recent EFL guidance regarding testing on the development of relevant symptoms, the Diédhous were subsequently tested and returned positive tests.
“Everyone at Bristol City wishes them a full and speedy recovery.”
Bristol City were approached for comment but declined.
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