Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has not travelled with his side for their FA Cup clash against Peterborough United on Saturdy afternoon after testing positive for Covid-19.
League Two Rovers will be hoping to cause something of an upset against their Championship opposition, but will have to do so without their boss in the dugout following.
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An official statement from the club confirmed Barton’s absence earlier on in the day.
What have Bristol Rovers said on the matter?
Rovers announced Barton’s absence in an official statement on Saturday morning.
It reads: “Rovers boss Joey Barton did not travel to Peterborough for today’s Emirates FA Cup Third Round match after testing positive for COVID earlier in the week.
“Andy Mangan and Kevin Bond will take over managerial duties as The Gas look to make a winning return to action in their first match since Rochdale at home on 11th December last year.”
How have Rovers been affected by Covid?
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Rovers have struggled for game time in recent weeks as the English football pyramid continues to deal with various clubs reporting widespread positive Covid tests.
Saturday’s game against Peterborough will be the Gas’ first match since December 11th, and will be their first away match they’ve travelled for since the 2-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers at the end of November.
Rovers’ last three matches were all played at home whilst away games against Crawley, Leyton Orient, and Scunthorpe United were all postponed.