Fleetwood boss Simon Grayson admits it's so difficult managing Covid

One of those will return for tomorrow’s home clash with Accrington Stanley in League One.

Charlie Mulgrew is back in training and is expected to play, though this weekend’s game comes too soon for captain Paddy Madden and on-loan Swansea City winger Barrie McKay.

Grayson said: “We’ve tried to stick to as many protocols as possible, but once the virus gets to one person it’s difficult to keep it under wraps as we’ve found over a number of months now.

“We had Charlie after the Plymouth game and then Barrie McKay was tested last Tuesday and was positive.

“Paddy got tested last Thursday and was negative going into the game against Charlton, then was tested on the Monday after Charlton and was a positive case.

“It’s been difficult. They’re three vital players for us and it’s something we’ve had to deal with.

“A lot of clubs have had to deal with it but unfortunately for us it still seems to be around a little bit.

“Charlie is back training and he will be available for Saturday. The other two are more for Tuesday night (when Town visit Lincoln City).

“They’ve just had a few symptoms, nothing major. They felt a bit tired. One of them had lost his taste.

“The protocol is that if you’ve tested positive you just have to remain off.”

As the virus affects people in different ways and some players suffer more than others, it is difficult for the club to plan for their return.

Grayson explained: “While they’re off they try to do as much exercise as they physically can just to keep them ticking over, if they are capable of doing that.

“Then it’s up to us – myself, fitness coaches, medical staff – to decide if they are ready. Ultimately I need to speak to the players and ask if they’re ready to start or come off the bench. If they’re not, you look to the next game.

“You have to address each individual differently because each one might have different circumstances. The players have to be open and honest with us.

“I don’t want a player coming back saying he’s fit and available, feeling 100 per cent, then all of a sudden he lets you down or breaks down after half an hour.

“It’s a conversation we need to have on a regular basis because everyone suffers from it in different ways.”

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