Three Portsmouth players test positive for coronavirus and club is awaiting test results on other half of squad

PORTSMOUTH have been rocked by the news THREE players have tested positive for coronavirus – and they are still waiting for results on another half of their squad.

The League One promotion chasers decided to send all their players and first team staff for tests to ensure they knew exactly who was safe to come into contact with others should they return to training.

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Norwich loanee Sean Raggett, right, has been diagnosed with coronavirusCredit: Rex Features

Andy Cannon is in elf-isolation after picking up the virusCredit: Rex Features

But Pompey were stunned when a batch was sent back to them last night which revealed James Bolton, Andy Cannon and Sean Raggett were all suffering from the deadly disease.

Now the club are anxiously waiting to hear back from the lab testing the remainder of samples provided earlier this week – with the fear that more may have been infected.

Chief executive Mark Catlin said: “I received the news last night and immediately spoke to Kenny and head physio Bobby Bacic. Kenny and I then spoke to all three players.

“Football is not immune from this virus and I can assure you that it only really hits home when those that you know contract it.

“All three players were in good spirits and perfectly calm – showing mild or no symptoms – and are looking forward to overcoming it as quickly as possible.

“We once again urge everyone to follow the current government guidelines.”

Pompey were one of the first clubs who feared being drawn into difficulty after it emerged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had tested positive.

The two sides met in the FA Cup just days before Arteta fell ill, although the time delay since then means it is highly unliklely anyone contracted the illness from that match.

James Bolton, left, is another Pompey star suffering at homeCredit: AFP

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk