Tottenham’s Carabao Cup game with Leyton Orient set to be called off after 18 positive Covid-19 tests decimate O’s squad
TOTTENHAM’S Carabao Cup clash looks set to be called OFF after virtually all of Leyton Orient’s squad tested positive for Covid-19.
SunSport understands up to 18 players and staff at League Two O’s recorded positive tests ahead of the Tuesday evening game.
If the third-round tie is cancelled in the morning, Spurs will receive a bye and Orient will miss out on a £100,000 windfall with the game due to be televised on Sky Sports.
With the O’s first team in self-isolation, they even suggested fielding their youth outfit against Jose Mourinho’s side because the kids have not been in contact with the first team.
It is believed Spurs are not happy with that prospect amid fears of the risk of infection just days ahead of a Europa League tie.
SunSport approached Orient for comment tonight but the final decision rests with Public Health England.
Health specialists, worried by the coronavirus spike in the UK, have to determine if the outbreak is serious enough to order Orient’s Breyer Group Stadium and training ground to be deep cleaned and order all staff into quarantine.
The EFL have been working with the clubs to find a resolution, with Spurs showing their support for their neighbours.
But with zero space left in a congested fixture programme there are no possible dates for the game to be rescheduled.
The news vindicated Tottenham’s decision to stump up £5,000 for the O’s squad to undergo tests at the weekend.
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EFL rules have been relaxed this season which mean clubs only had to test on their return to pre-season training and again halfway through the campaign — the Prem test twice a week.
Plymouth and Mansfield played Orient over the last week and ordered their squads and staff to undergo tests.
Should the game be called off it would be the first match to fall victim to Covid-19 since lockdown.
Meanwhile, Gareth Bale’s desire to make his second return at Tottenham could accelerate his injury comeback.
The Welsh star, 31, who sustained a knee injury against Bulgaria earlier this month, is not due to be fit until after the October internationals.
But boss Mourinho said: “The motivation is high. And when a player has this motivation you can shorten the period of recovering and period of getting fit.”