Cheltenham Town’s home game against Grimsby Town at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium has been postponed after it was confirmed a Mariners player has tested positive for Covid-19.
As a result all Grimsby players are now self-isolating and the match will not go ahead this weekend.
“Everyone at Cheltenham Town wishes the player involved a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming the Mariners later on in the season,” said a club statement.
A statement issued by Grimsby Town FC said: “In line with medical advice received from the EFL, our own medical team and in line with Government guidelines, all players will now face a period of self-isolation at home.
“The club did consider testing the squad today however, the medical advice received was that such testing would be of no effect as the incubation period of the virus being a minimum of five days, with the squad last being in contact with the player three days ago.
“The health and well-being the staff and players of both Grimsby Town and Cheltenham Town is of paramount importance and overrides all other considerations. We would like to wish the player a speedy recovery.”
Cheltenham could now face two free weekends as there could also be some doubt over the Robins’ trip to Leyton Orient next Saturday.
A decision about that match is not likely to be made until Wednesday or Thursday next week after the east London club’s League Two game at Walsall tomorrow was called off on Thursday after Orient informed the EFL that “it considers it is unable to safely fulfil this weekend’s fixture.”
This came after a number of players and staff tested positive for Covid-19 and an EFL statement said: “Due to the number of positive cases of Covid-19 within the Leyton Orient squad and the requirement for players and staff to subsequently self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance, the Club has advised the EFL it considers it is unable to safely fulfil this weekend’s fixture.
“The circumstances surrounding the postponement will now be the subject of investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations. A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
The Os were also unable to play their Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham, who have been awarded with a bye to the fourth round, where they face Chelsea next week.
If the Orient game is also called off, Cheltenham’s next scheduled game would be the EFL Trophy game at home to Plymouth on Tuesday, October 6
