One player and staff at Watford and an assistant manager at Burnley, Ian Woan is among the six positive Premier League tests for coronavirus.
A Watford player and two members of staff have tested positive for COVID-19 according to the Premier League club reports. Burnley on the other side confirms Ian Woan, the assistant manager is also among the infected.
Burnley reported Woan was “asymptomatic” and “Currently safe and well at home.”
“He will remain in close communication with club personnel regarding his re-engagement in training once he is clear of the virus.”
Watford’s player and two members of staff, whom the club will not disclose because they had asked for medical confidentiality will remain isolated.
Before the news about Watford’s positive tests emerged, captain Troy Deeney had said he would not be returning to training because he feared for his family health.
A number of Watford teammates have joined Deeney’s stance in not training and will follow individual programs at home.
What next?
While every coronavirus case is a cause of concern, the Premier League will no doubt draw confidence from the fact the number of positive tests revealed was as low as six.
Had it been higher, it would have raised more serious questions over the club’s return to training. So, this is a boost to those hoping for a resumption of the season come next month.
With that said, the fact that Watford accounts for half the positive tests will raise concern at the Premier League. If this makes more players join Troy Deeney in refusal to train, then, how long will it take before the club starts to argue that they are being put at a greater disadvantage?
With a few players and managers having voiced their worries, and half the club medics feeling insufficiently consulted, further obstacles remain. This especially when it comes to getting an agreement over the protocols for full-contact training.