Valerien Ismael confirms positive COVID cases ahead of West Brom Championship clash v Reading
West Brom host Reading at The Hawthorns on Saturday (December 11) but their plans have been disrupted by a possible COVID outbreak at the club.
As shared by The Athletic’s Steve Madeley via his personal Twitter profile on Friday morning (10 December), Valerien Ismael has confirmed positive cases at the training ground.
Madeley wrote: “Difficult week for Albion: Valerien Ismael confirms they have 2 confirmed Covid cases and a possible third (awaiting test result) which has disrupted plans for tomorrow’s game against Reading. Further round of testing due on the squad this afternoon.”
Big blow to playing squad?
Ismael hasn’t opened up on the identities of the individuals involved, who have the right to privacy, but it sounds like it is two players, and possibly a third on the way as they await another test to come back.
If they are senior players then it could act as a big blow to Ismael who will have been preparing all week with a certain starting XI in mind.
This could cause huge issues to that and force him to change his tactics the day before a crucial clash against the Royals.
Things appeared to be looking up with Jake Livermore and Jayson Molumby coming back into the side after missing last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Coventry (4 December), but this could create big problems for the ex-Barnsley boss and his charges.
As well as the players currently affected there may be an issue of it spreading further around the camp.
Tottenham Hotspur had two games postponed this week and had to close a section of their training complex due to dozens of positive cases, so Albion will be hoping to avoid a similar scenario.
In other West Brom news, Simon Jordan has launched into an on-air rant over a recent Albion controversy.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.