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Coronavirus outbreak forces Spurs out of Rennes clash

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that eight of the club’s first-team players and five members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus.

Spurs were due to face Rennes in the Europa Conference League on Thursday but the game has been postponed. 

Their Premier League fixture against Brighton on Sunday is also under review, with Conte fearing more positive tests,

A statement on  Tottenham’s official website read: “We can confirm that our UEFA Europa Conference League Group G home fixture against Rennes will not take place tomorrow after a number of positive coronavirus cases at the club. 

“Discussions are ongoing with UEFA and we shall provide a further update on this fixture in due course. 

“Additionally, following discussions with the Health Security Agency and DCMS advisers, the club has been advised to close the first team area of its training centre at this time, in the interests of the health and safety of players and staff. 

“All other areas of the training centre remain operational.”

Before news broke of the postponement, Conte said: “The situation makes me very upset because it is serious. 

“It’s contagious and there is a big infection. Now we are a bit scared because tomorrow we don’t know what will happen.

“Every day, we are having more positives. Everyone is a bit scared. People have families. Why [do] we have to take the risk? This is my question.

“Today, two positives. And tomorrow, who? Me? I don’t know. Better me than a player for sure but I think it’s not right for everyone. We have contact with our families.

“We had 11 players available for the match and by the end of the training session today one of the players who would start tomorrow is now positive. It’s scary. We’re all having contact.”

With regards to the Seagulls clash, Premier League rules state permission will not be granted to postpone a match if a club has 14 or more players available.

But the postponement of games is taken on a case-by-case basis and a decision is made by the Premier League board if a request is received from a club.

Spurs have already seen a top-flight game postponed this season after their clash with Burnley last month was called off due to heavy snow.