Premier League confirm record Covid problem after Manchester United decision

Forty-two Premier League players and staff tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week - the highest number since January.

Brighton, Tottenham, Leicester, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Norwich have all confirmed cases - with the former two’s clash at Amex Stadium, as well as the Red Devils’ fixture against Brentford, postponed.

Daily Mail have reported that the Premier League are fearful of another shutdown due to the spread of the Omicrom variant and the slow progress in vaccinating players.

It is thought that only Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to meet the government’s target of seeing all over-18s receive their booster jab before the end of the month.

A league statement on Monday stated that the frequency of lateral flow and PCR tests among football clubs would increase, with Brighton chief executive Paul Barber telling BBC Sport that clubs will be ‘now moving to testing three times a week’.

The statement added: "We will continue to work closely with the government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance."

From tomorrow, fans will need to show proof of double vaccination or a negative test to attend sporting events with crowds of over 10,000 people.