Dundalk boss Vinny Perth has confirmed that his side will be without players for tomorrow's Europa Conference League tie with Newtown due to Covid-19.
The Lilywhites' supremo was informed this morning by the club doctor that an unspecified number of first team regulars will sit out the Oriel Park first qualifying round first leg game.
It's not believed that any Dundalk coaches or staff are affected by the outbreak that emerged following routine UEFA Coronavirus tests carried out on all club personnel yesterday.
There may be further confirmed cases as the club awaits other results while there could also be close contacts ruled out of the match.
Welsh club Newtown are also struggling with a Covid outbreak in their camp.
"We'd had a minor Covid outbreak within the squad, that we have to confirm," stated Perth.
"We had Covid tests yesterday within the club as part of the UEFA protocol, over the last number of hours we have started to receive those results," explained Perth during a lunchtime press conference conducted via Zoom.
"There are some Covid issues within our squad. It's very early to give definite numbers on it but we do have some issues.
"Our doctor was in contact with the players . They have not attended training today and have been told to stay at home to clear it up.
"Over the next number of hours I will get clarity on that but there's no doubt that we have some players missing the game tomorrow due to Covid.
"It is tough to deal with and it has changed things. We worked on a lot of shape when we trained yesterday.
"We have had to change that drastically today. But it's the world we live in and we have to accept it.
"I believe that Covid is rampant in our community and particularly in young people aged between 17 and 30.
"A lot of footballers fall into that category and I think that this is just the beginning of it in terms of what sports' teams are going to be tested, then I think you will find that numbers are quite high in this sort of age group."
When asked as to how many players are involved, Perth added:
"That's what we are trying to ascertain with our doctor. I've just finished training so I'll sit down with the doctor and confirm the results.
"We'll release something on that a bit later."
