Chelsea decided to cancel their pre-season friendly games with Drogheda United, as they are investigating a ‘possible’ Covid-19 case in the team.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad are preparing for the forthcoming season at a camp just outside of Dublin and planned to play against Drogheda behind closed doors.
However, one member of the Blues party – who remains unnamed – returned a positive test ahead of the game, and the West London giants informed Drogheda United that the game has to be cancelled due to Covid 19 protocols.
German head-coach led an intra-squad game in place of the friendly, and talented pair Callum Hudson-Odoi and Armando Broja both scored. The player in question did not take part and has been isolated away from the rest of his teammates.
‘Earlier today, we had a possible positive Covid case which we are investigating,’ a Chelsea spokesperson said.
‘The individual has been isolated from the rest of the group.
‘We also decided, as a precaution, to cancel tonight’s behind closed doors game against Drogheda.’
The Blues scored six goals past Peterborough United in their opening pre-season match where Morocco international forward, Hakim Ziyech scored a hat-trick in the one-sided friendly at Cobham.
Tammy Abraham, Armando Broja and Christian Pulisic also scored against Chelsea’s Championship opposition.
Tuchel’s will lead his team to the Vitality Stadium to face Championship outfits, Bournemouth before playing against their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
After facing Europa League holders Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup clash in Belfast, the Blues will start their Premier League season with a London derby against Crystal Palace on August 14.
Chelsae planning to strengthen their squad before the start of the 2021/22 season and hosts of top-class players rumoured with a switch to Stamford Bridge, however, Thomas Tuchel’s No.1 target is believed to be Dortmund hotshot Erling Braut Haaland.
Recent reports from Germany also claimed that Chelsea are in advanced talks with Robert Lewandowski’s agent about a possible move to Stamford Bridge.
