Tottenham Hotspur in Covid outbreak crisis: What does this mean for Brighton & Hove Albion clash?

It was reported this morning that at least seven of the club’s players and two members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19, with others set to take follow-up tests later today.

The identities of the players have not been confirmed but it is believed that a number of first-team squad members are among those that have tested positive - though it is thought that they have all been double vaccinated.

The news comes after Spurs’ impressive 3-0 victory over Norwich City at the weekend and has thrown this week’s fixtures against Rennes and Brighton & Hove Albion into chaos.

Antonio Conte’s side are due to host the French club in the Europa Conference League on Thursday before travelling to Brighton on Sunday.

What does this mean for Spurs’ upcoming fixtures?

While more players could return positive tests before Tottenham’s clash with Rennes on Thursday, it is likely that the fixture will go ahead due to Uefa’s tight rules on European matches.

The rules stipulate that ties are only placed into jeopardy “if less than 13 players registered on the A list or no registered goalkeeper are available”.

Under those rules, Spurs would currently be able to fulfil the Rennes fixture but the club will have to wait to see how many players will be out following the PCR testing.

Their match against Rennes could prove to be an important one as Spurs currently sit second in the group - four points behind the Ligue 1 club and level on points with third place Vitesse.

Meanwhile, Spurs are likely to request this weekend’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion to be postponed, with the Premier League usually more leniant in postponing games during the Covid pandemic.

Matches involving Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Fulham were postponed last season, however Tottenham are the first English club to suffer the threat of a serious outbreak this campaign so far.

If the Premier League allow Sunday’s fixture to be postponed then that will be the second match in two weeks that has been called off for the London club after their trip to Burnley was moved due to heavy snow.