Tottenham HotspurUEFA Europa Conference League clash with Stade Rennais has been postponed after eight players and five staff members tested positive for COVID-19, the club announced on Wednesday.
Head coach Antonio Conte said earlier on Wednesday he is “frightened” about the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and casts great doubts on the club’s ability to complete upcoming matches.
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The Tottenham statement read: “We can confirm that our UEFA Europa Conference League home game against Stade Rennais will not take place tomorrow (Thursday, December 9, 8pm GMT (3pm ET)” )) following a number of positive COVID-19 cases at the Club.Discussions are ongoing with UEFA and we will provide further updates on this fixture in due course.
“In addition, following discussions with the Health Security Service (formerly Public Health England) and DCMS advisers, the Club have been advised to close the First Team area of the Training Center at this time, in the interest of the health and safety of players and Staff.”
Rennes have secured a place in the round of 16 after taking the top spot in Group G, while Spurs have a chance of reaching the knockout stages if they win/draw.
Conte’s side are second in the table, level on points with Netherlands’ SBV Vitesse, whose home game against the Ligue 1 side is crucial if they want to progress. They will need to tie Vitesse’s points against Slovenien’s NS Mura, which still plays on December 9, to qualify for the knockout stages.
Rising COVID cases are also a concern for Spur’s Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, with sources telling ESPN that the north London side will push for an official postponement of the match. this.
