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Football London
Football London
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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

How Premier League decision affects £33.4m Ziyech transfer as Chelsea squad support Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea won't be in action for at least the next three weeks.

In the early hours of Friday morning it was confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus and as a result Frank Lampard, the coaching staff and senior squad have all self-isolated.

It was later revealed in a joint statement issued by the FA, Premier League and EFL all announced that football would be suspended until April 4.

The latest on Callum Hudson-Odoi and Premier League suspension

"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," the Premier League's official statement read.

"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."

We at football.london wish Callum Hudson-Odoi a speedy recovery and with that said, here's all the news from around Stamford Bridge over the past 24 hours.

Coronavirus effect

The coronavirus has hit the Premier League.

The season has been suspended until April 4, with no games to be played between now and then.

And it could get even worse, with the virus thought to be at its peak in the UK at around that time.

The Premier League logo (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

So what is the situation as far as Chelsea are concerned and how will it affect the club.

Find out here.

Chelsea squad rally around Hudson-Odoi

As mentioned above, Hudson-Odoi has been struck down by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

And the Chelsea squad is rallying behind the wonderkid.

In response to his Instagram video, there were messages from the likes of Willy Caballero, Pedro, Reece James, Antonio Rudiger and Billy Gilmour all wishing him a speedy recovery.

Pedro said: "Get well soon!!", Caballero replied with "Get well soon", while James and Gilmour responded with prayer hands emojis.

Furthermore, players from Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, Real Madrid and Lyon have also got in touch with Hudson-Odoi.

This includes Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Rhian Brewster, Moise Kean, Vinicius Junior and Memphis Depay.

Ziyech transfer

Chelsea have already agreed a deal with Ajax to sign attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech for £33.4m when the summer transfer window officially opens on July 1.

But the coronavirus crisis has thrown the footballing world into chaos.

Uefa are holding a meeting of its stakeholders on Tuesday to determine the fate of Euro 2020 and it has been suggested that the competition, which is set to take place all over Europe, will be pushed back until 2021 to allow time for domestic competitions to finish their campaigns.

That means the Premier League will be looking at the best solutions finish off the season ahead of the new one which gets underway in August.

However, there are several implications which could disrupt that, with one of them being the contract situation of several players across Europe.

Click here to read about what Premier League suspension means for Ziyech's summer transfer.

Premier League season in doubt

FA chairman Greg Clarke has reportedly told the Premier League that he does not believe that the domestic football season will be completed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Clarke was present at the emergency Premier League meeting in London on Thursday, with the Premier League, EFL, FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship all suspended until April 3 following the briefing.

And according to the Times, Clarke said he did not think it was "feasible" that the season would be completed, with government guidance suggesting that the coronavirus will not peak in the UK until around mid-June.

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