Sheffield United pressing for John Egan to be allowed out of coronavirus isolation to face Fulham

Egan missed the Republic of Ireland's games against Wales and Finland after coming into contact with a team-mate who tested positive for coronavirus two days earlier. The centre-back has since returned a negative test but because of the time the virus can take to manifest itself, he is supposed to self-isolate for 14 days, ruling him out of the Blades' game against Fulham.

Manager Chris Wilder confirmed the club are looking into whether an exception can be made, particularly as he has other, unspecified, injuries to deal with. His is by no means the only club facing this situation, and for that reason Wilder has joined the calls for international football to be suspended again during the pandemic.

“We have got a couple of injury issues and a potential issue with one of our players," he said. "I can’t confirm or deny if he will be available for the weekend, we are still working with the authorities.”

As the Blades' central defender, Egan is a key fixture in a defensive unit which has already lost Jack O'Connell, to his left, for what is likely to be the remainder of the campaign because of knee surgery.

Egan missed the match against Leeds United through suspension having been controversially sent off at Aston Villa. Ethan Ampadu, who has been on international duty with Wales, deputised then and is likely to do so again if the club's appeals fall on deaf ears.

The Republic of Ireland's Nations League games were costly for the Blades, with David McGoldrick picking up an injury that presumably makes him a doubt for Sunday's match between two sides yet to pick up a Premier League point this season.

Wilder says he is “a huge backer of players going away on international duty,” adding: “It improves them as a players and there isn’t one who isn’t hugely proud to represent their country. Playing against different players and systems, it makes them better and is a great experience.”

However, he does think that games should be put on hold while the covid-19 pandemic is having such a big effect.

The March matches and this summer's European Championships were postponed because of the virus, but games resumed in September. Some club managers have argued they should be paused once more.

“I have that view, that international football probably should be eased off,” said Wilder. “One and a half metre (social distancing regulations) in one country, two in another, no crowds and boys flying about all over the place. I’m sure the FAs will survive.

“I would say every manager would say it’s far from acceptable or comfortable what’s happened. All the pre-season plans were more difficult because of the people going way. Seven, eight or nine flying about all over the place made it difficult to do any preparation, and then you throw covid into the mix.”

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