Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup tie at Exeter in doubt after training ground shuts due to Covid-19

Sheffield Wednesday caretaker boss Neil Thompson's preparations for the FA Cup tie at Exeter City have been hit by Covid-19 related issues at the club's training ground. Picture: Steve Ellis

Details of how many players and/or staff have tested positive have not been made public, but there has been sufficient concern to close the facilities at least until a round of mandatory testing tomorrow has been assessed.

Players have been told to train at home in the meantime. They have a clear midweek but are due at Exeter’s St James’ Park on Saturday.

Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Rotherham United have all had games called off in recent weeks because of Coronavirus, whilse Sheffield United have played on but were only able to name six substitutes at the weekend after a couple of positive cases added to injuries and suspensions in the squad.

HEADING BACK: Aden Flint's loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday has been cut short. Picture: Steve Ellis

Championship clubs have so far only had to test their players before pre-season, the start of this season and after international breaks, but this week another round of mandatory tests were due. In light of the number of cases – and postponements – twice-weekly testing is set to be introduced.

Meanwhile, central defender Aden Flint’s loan from Cardiff City has been cut short.

The news is not unexpected, with chairman Dejphon Chansiri trailing it last week.

The central defender was signed in October to add greater solidity and Championship nous, but picked up a hamstring injury at Rotherham United in early November, and has not featured since. It was only the 31-year-old’s fourth appearance for the club.

It was a blow for then-manager Tony Pulis, who never had the opportunity to play the defender he signed for Middlesbrough during his 45-day tenure, but the blow was lessened by the belated debut of Chey Dunkley.

Dunkley joined from Wigan Athletic in the summer while still recovering from a double leg break suffered in February, and was unable to return until mid-December’s defeat at home to Barnsley. He impressed with his leadership and defensive qualities to such an extent he was named the club’s player of the month.

Dunkley has since picked up a minor hamstring strain.

Wednesday are currently searching for a new manager, with reports they have been in contact with former Chesterfield, Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth manager Paul Cook, who was linked with the job after Garry Monk’s sacking.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.