Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount have been ruled out of England’s game against the Czech Republic tonight.
It has been announced that the pair are to oversee a period of self-isolation up to and including Monday, June 28, after allegedly coming into close contact with teammate Billy Gilmour.
The young Scotland midfielder tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday following his nation’s clash with England at Wembley Stadium.
He was then seen talking to his Chelsea teammates Mount and Chilwell following the game, with discussions having taken place over the last few days between The FA and Public Health England to decide whether the three were in contact.
The two will now be forced to self-isolate and train away from the rest of the Three Lions’ 26-man squad having been handed a week's self isolation compared to the mandatory ten days.
A statement from the FA read: “The pair were confirmed overnight as close contacts of Scotland’s Billy Gilmour after his positive COVID-19 test following last Friday’s match.
“Chilwell and Mount will isolate and train individually in private areas at England’s training base St. George’s Park, with the rest of the squad returning there after tonight’s fixture against Czech Republic at Wembley.
“We will continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols and the UEFA testing regime, while remaining in close contact with PHE.”
The period of self-isolation means that the Chelsea pair will miss tonight’s final group game against the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium.
It also puts their participation in the knockout stages in doubt.
If England finish either second or third in Group D, they will be set to play on either Monday June 28 or Sunday June 27 respectively - games which would rule the duo out.
Meanwhile, should the Three Lions finish first, their last-16 tie is not scheduled to take place until at least Tuesday June 29, when they will be available, although with solo training, it remains to be seen whether the Blues pair would be ready in time in any case.
