Sheffield Wednesday striker 'tests positive' for coronavirus despite 'no symptoms'

The 29-year-old former Barnsley striker made the claim on Instagram.

Winnall claimed to have only taken a test “out of curiosity” after showing no symptoms of the virus, and it underlined to him the importance of following the Government's advice to stay at home.

“I know most of you will be sick of hearing this but I urge everyone who reads this to stay at home,” he said.

“I had no symptoms, no problems and no indications I had the virus. But after doing a test out of curiosity, I tested positive for covid-19.

“This virus is invisible, anyone can have it. Thankfully, I am fine and not suffering. But that isn’t the case for everybody.

“Please stay home, don’t be selfish and respect other people’s health.”

The Owls squad began training at home three days before the Government introduced its lockdown on March 23 to try to contain the spread of the virus.

Winnall is thought to be the first Wednesday player to have tested positive, and that none have reported symptoms.

The centre-forward is out of contract at the end of the season and has not featured since the January transfer window, when the Owls signed forwards Connor Wickham and Alessio Da Cruz, as well as attacking midfielder or striker Josh Windass. All three arrived on loan.

Fellow centre-forward and top scorer Steven Fletcher also returned to fitness in February.

Since joining from Oakwell in January 2017, Winnall has made 18 league starts for the Owls, plus as many from the bench, scoring five goals.

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