Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has claimed that Saturday's game with Cardiff City is "very unlikely" to go ahead owing to positive coronavirus results in the Rams camp.
A number of games across the English Football League have been called off in recent days owing to the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and it now looks as if the Bluebirds' home clash with Derby is the next fixture under threat.
Rooney said his medical team has been "wiped out" by the virus and even revealed he was unable to fill the squad in training in preparation for this weekend's game.
Rooney said that if the game did go ahead then, at present, he would not have enough players to cover the bench. He also stated discussions are ongoing with the EFL over whether the fixture will go ahead.
"Unfortunately we have had a few more cases, players and staff," Rooney said.
"There are discussions going on at the minute with the EFL to see whether the game goes ahead on Saturday.
"From my point of view I will prepare the team with the players I have got as if the game is going ahead and make sure we are ready while we await a decision from the EFL.
"Basically our medical team has been wiped out, and we have had more players get it. From my point of view it is very unlikely the game will go ahead. We are awaiting on confirmation from the EFL."
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Asked if he is encouraging his players and staff to be vaccinated, Rooney said: "It is a difficult situation because everyone has their own opinions on it.
"Myself, I have had the vaccinations, but some players and staff might have their own personal opinions on it.
"I personally encourage it but I can't make that decision for all the players and staff, unfortunately."
Sheffield United v QPR, QPR v Swansea, Millwall v Preston and Reading v Luton have already been called off in the Championship following coronavirus outbreaks.
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