Blackpool return two positive Covid-19 tests but FA Cup tie against West Brom due to go ahead as planned

The duo, who haven't been named for privacy reasons, will now self-isolate for the next 10 days.

The Gazette understands neither individual took to the field during Blackpool's 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

A total of 39 players and staff were tested on Wednesday as part of a mandatory round of testing.

The club say there are no concerns about the two players having come into close contact with their teammates as they were given time off at the start of the week.

As a result, Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against West Bromwich Albion will go ahead as planned.

The club said in a statement: "Blackpool Football Club can confirm that mandatory EFL testing of 39 players and staff this week has returned two positive COVID-19 results.

"The affected individuals are now self-isolating in accordance with EFL and Government protocol.

"We wish them both a speedy recovery."

The news comes as Chris Maxwell and Matty Virtue have returned to training following their period of self-isolation.

The duo, who tested positive for Covid-19 before Christmas, are now available for Saturday's game. Ben Woodburn also tested positive earlier in the season.

The EFL confirmed yesterday they will be introducing bi-weekly testing for all EFL clubs from next week thanks to funding from the PFA.

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