The training ground at Cobham is back operating as a place of work although club personnel who had recent close contact with Callum Hudson-Odoi continue to self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines.
It was announced in the early hours of Friday morning that Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for coronavirus. Consequently, as well as the self-isolation, the building at Cobham underwent a deep-cleaning procedure and with that completed, it has reopened for those working there who are not self-isolating.For the players currently at home, there is of course the need to stay fit and ready for when training and matches do resume, and to aid that, all members of the men’s first team squad have been sent an exercise bicycle for indoor use and nutritional plans, which they can use with tailored fitness programmes to keep up their levels of physical condition.
Hudson-Odoi reported he was recovering well from the infection on Friday and Frank Lampard has given an update:‘I’m happy to say that in Callum’s case, he has made great progress and almost feels his usual self, which is obviously the news we all want to hear,’ said the head coach.‘I am of course aware that not everyone can or will recover from this virus, so I urge all of the football and sporting community to continue to act responsibly and look out for the health of others,’ he added.‘I want to make it clear that I am no medical expert when it comes to challenging times such as these but please do take the time to call older relatives and vulnerable people who might be alone, or offer to drop round shopping if they can’t get out. Let’s make sure we all take care of each other.‘Social distancing can leave us feeling isolated, however we can continue to support each other even if that means doing it remotely.‘Of course we still don’t know when competitive football will restart, but it isn’t worth worrying about that too much at the moment. We all miss football, but right now it’s about acting responsibly and in the best interests of society. I am sure I wasn’t the only one who found myself in a strange place with no sport this weekend, but ultimately none of that matters when we consider the bigger picture.’