Everton place entire first-team in self-isolation over coronavirus fears

The entire first-team squad of Premier League side, Everton, have placed in self-isolation after a player reported coronavirus symptoms.

An official statement was released by the club which state that they have also decided to close down all Everton workplaces, including their Finch Farm training ground and Goodison Park, following the news.

The club's statement reads: "Everton Football Club can confirm that, as a precautionary measure, its entire first-team squad and coaching staff are undertaking a period of self-isolation following medical advice.

"The step has been taken after a first-team player reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus. The Club is in regular contact with the player in question and is monitoring the wellbeing of all players and staff.

"The health, welfare and safety of all Everton players, staff and stakeholders is the Club's absolute priority. Therefore, the Club has taken the decision to close down all Everton workplaces including USM Finch Farm, Goodison Park and its headquarters at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool City Centre. The Club's retail store at Goodison Park will also close but its Liverpool ONE store is unaffected and will remain open.

"Everton will continue to adhere to UK Government and Public Health guidelines with regards to the closure of its facilities and wellbeing of staff and will be discussing next steps with regards to upcoming fixtures with the Premier League on Friday morning.

"Further updates will be provided in due course, including guidance relating to forthcoming fixtures."

Watford have also taken the precaution of cancelling training, after several players informed manager Nigel Pearson they were feeling unwell.

One player will undergo testing for coronavirus and Pearson said: "We are still preparing for the game, which is difficult bearing in mind the disrupted week we have had. We've had players, as most clubs will have done, who have had symptoms of not being well. We've had players experiencing illness this week, who have stayed at home.

"We had somebody with a chest infection, somebody with an upset stomach and players who have shown flu-like symptoms. We've got one player awaiting tests results on his symptoms. Not everybody is the same and we've had people who feel OK."

Everton follow Chelsea and Arsenal in putting their squads into self-isolation after Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta were both confirmed to have coronavirus. Three Leicester players are also being tested for the virus.

The Premier League is meeting at 10.30am on Friday morning to decide how to proceed in the face of the worsening global pandemic. Clubs are set to be represented via videolink.

Sky Sports