Derby may find out on Wednesday if they can play FA Cup clash at Chorley this weekend, with Wayne Rooney’s side to be tested for coronavirus following training ground closure
- Derby County’s FA Cup third round clash at Chorley on Saturday is in doubt
- Rams players have had an outbreak of coronavirus and will again be tested
- Wayne Rooney’s side are in talks with FA in relation to upcoming fixtures
Derby may learn on Wednesday whether they will be able to field a team for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Chorley after a spate of positive coronavirus tests forced the Championship club to shut their training ground.
Wayne Rooney’s side are set to be tested on Wednesday morning in accordance with FA protocol that states this must happen 72 hours before the fixture, but there are huge doubts about whether the third-round clash can go ahead due to this week’s outbreak in the squad..
FA rules state that clubs will be expected to fulfil their fixtures if they can muster 14 players, though there is scope for individual clubs to appeal if they feel they cannot do so. In theory, the FA could reject any case from Derby and effectively give Chorley a bye to the fourth round, but that appears unlikely at this stage.
Derby boss Wayne Rooney could find out on Wednesday if his side is able play Chorley
The Rams have had an outbreak of coronavirus and will be tested again on Wednesday
Derby chiefs are in ongoing dialogue with the FA but had this weekend’s fixture been in the Championship, it would not have taken place.
A Derby spokesman said: ‘In accordance with Derby County and EFL COVID-19 protocol, the club’s Moor Farm training ground has been closed with immediate effect.
‘In addition, the club is in dialogue with the EFL and Football Association in relation to upcoming fixtures.
‘This decision has been taken to prevent the spread of the virus and protect club employees and their family members.’