Chorley wait to hear on FA Cup tie after Derby County report positive Covid-19 tests in their squad

Derby County have had several positive Covid-19 tests among their squad and staff ahead of facing Chorley in the FA Cup at Victory Park on Saturday.
Derby County interim manager Wayne RooneyDerby County interim manager Wayne Rooney
Derby County interim manager Wayne Rooney

The Championship side, currently under the interim charge of Wayne Rooney, were forced to shut their Moor Farm training ground on Monday after the results of the tests came through.

Those who have tested positive - none of who have been named in public due to medical confidentiality - and their contacts are now self-isolating.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Derby are in contact with the FA about the trip to Chorley and with the EFL about their forthcoming league games.

Although Premier League clubs have been testing twice a week, that has not been the case in the EFL this season.

However, all clubs have been undergoing testing in the last few days ahead of the third round of the FA Cup.

Chorley are waiting to hear from the FA about Saturday's game and whether it can go ahead

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a recent briefing, the FA told clubs they should field a team in the FA cup if they had 14 players available and they would not necessarily have to be from the first-team squad.

It might be that Derby would have bring players in from their Under-23s and Under-18s to fulfil the fixture.

Any application from a club to the FA for a postponement would be considered on a case-by-case basis, however clubs who cannot raise a team due risk having to forfeit the game.

Chorley have reached the third round of the competition for the first time in their history, knocking out two League One sides in the two previous rounds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jamie Vermiglio's men won 3-2 against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium in the first round, coming back from 2-0 down.

That earned them a trip to Peterborough United who were top of League One at the time.

The Magpies beat them 2-1 at London Road, again coming from behind with Connor Hall and Lewis Baines on target.

Saturday's game is to be broadcast live by BT Sport, with the game kicking-off at 12.15pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chorley and Derby both get a £75,000 broadcast fee. Third round winners get £61,500 prize money and the losers £20,500.

The game will be played behind closed doors.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.