Hibs' Covid crisis has escalated to the stage Jack Ross could call on only eight eligible players for Tuesday's postponed clash with Ross County.
Chief executive Ben Kensell has revealed eight first team stars have tested positive plus a further seven players from the development team and three members of staff.
The Easter Road club’s lengthy injury list means they would only have been able to name eight players over the age of 18 when league rules stipulate a minimum 10 in the matchday squad.
Kensell addressed the media this afternoon following the SPFL’s decision to cancel last night’s match for a second time - as well as Saturday’s trip to Livingston.
Hibs have closed their training centre and ceased all training until the virus is brought under control.
But Kensell revealed Kevin Nisbet should be fine to join up with the Scotland squad next week.
Hibs have launched an internal probe into their protocols and, asked if he was confident the club had done everything right, Kensell said: “Absolutely we have done everything right.
“We have been thorough in our investigation by going back through the events. NHS Lothian have informed us that we did follow the right guidance - two coaches travelling up, tests every day and in many ways we went above and beyond.
“We believe we’ve contained it now in both the senior team and the development squad. We’ve shut down HTC and everyone who is affected is self isolating.”
Asked about the impact on the cubs international players - including Nisbet, Martin Boyle, JOsh Doig and Alex Gogic, Kensell said: “The impact on Kevin Nisbet is minimal, we expect him to join up with the Scotland team.
"With Martin Boyle, it’s being discussed currently. For our other internationals, it's down to what the governing bodies suggest.”
