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Football London
Football London
Sport
Oliver Harbord

Premier League coronavirus suspension: How it affects Chelsea and what happens next

The Premier League, FA and EFL have confirmed that all professional football matches will be postponed until at least April 3.

Chelsea have been one of the clubs massively effected by the coronavirus outbreak, with the club confirming overnight that Callum Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for the virus.

The club's Cobham training ground was partially shut down, while the first team players and coaching staff have been told to self isolate, in accordance with government procedure.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was also confirmed to have tested positive, sparking an emergency meeting of the Premier League this morning.

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The Premier League now suspended until at least the beginning of April, it means that the Blues will not have pressure on their self isolation.

UEFA announced that the Blues's Champions League last 16 second leg tie at Bayern Munich has also been postponed.

The Blues were expected to face Leicester City in the FA Cup next weekend, however that will not go ahead either.

A statement from the Premier League read: "Following a meeting of Shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.

"Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: 'Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.

"In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.'

"Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League's aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so.

"In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate."

What that means for Chelsea is that the players, coaching staff and the club will be able to go through the self isolation period without the need to think about playing.

Chelsea's next Premier League match after the international break is scheduled for April 5 at the London Stadium against West Ham.

However, the Blues have several matches that need to be rearranged now. With the games against Leicester City, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa and Manchester City to be added on.

It could also disrupt Chelsea's pre-season plans for the 2020/21 season. While their tour had not been announced, football.london understands the club had planned to travel to the USA.

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