CHELSEA will reportedly train in Russia ahead of their Champions League clash with Krasnodar despite concerns over coronavirus in the country.
The Mail cites reports from Russia claiming that some cities are seeing ‘bodies pile up in morgues’.
Chelsea will train in Russia before their tie with Krasnodar despite coronavirus concernsCredit: AFP or licensors
Indeed, German outlet Bild claims Bayern Munich have opted against training in Russia ahead of their clash with Lokomotiv Moscow tomorrow.
That means they will hold a final training session at their base in Germany before jetting to Russia’s capital for just the game.
However, it’s claimed Chelsea intend to fly out on Tuesday for their match, which kicks off at 5.55pm GMT the following day on Wednesday.
Frank Lampard’s men will apparently take off at 9.30am from London, travelling the five hours to south-west Russia on a chartered flight.
The Blues will arrive in the early evening and head straight to Krasnodar’s stadium for a late training session.
They will then return to their hotel before the game the following day.
It’s added that Chelsea officials have already inspected Krasnodar’s ground, as well as the hotel.
And they are apparently ‘satisfied’ that everything is in line with Uefa’s Covid-19 protocols.
Chelsea would usually train at Cobham before a European night, but the time difference and early kick-off saw them forced into the change of plans.
However, there are fears that Russia’s coronavirus problem is starting to spiral.
There were 17,347 new cases reported on Monday, taking the country’s total to 1,531,224.
But whereas Moscow has reported nearly 300,000 cases, resulting in Bayern’s decision to avoid training there, there have been 13,790 reported in Krasnodar.
The Russians drew 1-1 in their first group stage game away to Rennes, with Chelsea drawing a blank with Sevilla at Stamford Bridge.
Both sides will be looking for a win to gain a foothold in Group E as the games come thick and fast.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
