Man Utd, Chelsea and Prem sides receive huge boost as Government cut Covid isolation period meaning top stars return

PREMIER LEAGUE sides have received a timely boost after the government reduced the Covid-19 self-isolation period from ten days to seven.

That means a whole host of big names could return to action for the round of Boxing Day games this weekend.

AFP

Thomas Tuchel will see his Covid-19-hit squad welcome back some first-teamers[/caption]

EPA

Liverpool could welcome back influential defender Virgil van Dijk[/caption]

But they will have to show a negative result on a lateral flow test two days in a row.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said its analysis suggested a seven-day isolation period alongside two negative lateral flow test results had nearly the same protective effect as a 10-day isolation period without testing.

“Health secretary Sajid Javid said in a statement: “We want to reduce the disruption from Covid-19 to peoples everyday lives.”

Any player who contracted the virus on December 17 could now be in contention for Sunday’s games, provided they are coronavirus negative.

One manager who will be delighted with the news is Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who could have influential defender Virgil van Dijk back in his XI.

Chelsea are one of the hardest-hit clubs from the virus, with seven positive tests last week.

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Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi came out of quarantine to feature in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Everton.

And Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be in contention for the game at Aston Villa.

Manchester United reported 19 players and staff had tested positive for Covid-19, and the club’s training base was temporarily closed down.

The Red Devils did not disclose how many players were hit with the virus, and saw games against Brighton and Brentford postponed.

But boss Ralf Rangnick could have a host of his stars back for the clash against Newcastle on Bank Holiday Monday.

Arsenal should be able to call on Pablo Mari and Sambi Lokonga, while Spurs, who were kicked out of the Uefa Conference League after failing to fulfil a fixture against Rennes due to coronavirus, have eight players back.

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