Millwall postpone next two games after coronavirus outbreak rips through squad and forces training ground to be shut

MILLWALL have been forced to postpone their next two games after coronavirus ripped through their squad and forced the closure of their training ground.

The Championship club have seen several players test positive in the wake of the weekend draw at home to Nottingham Forest.

And with a number of others being ordered to self-isolate because they have been in close contact, boss Gary Rowett was not left with enough players to field a team.

That means the Boxing Day trip to second-placed Bournemouth has been pushed back.

Following that, the home clash with Watford on December 29 has now been postponed.

The Lions are unable to train as a group for the next few days while a deep clean is carried out of their Bromley training ground in an attempt to stop more cases developing.

On the news, Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh said: “This is a very regrettable but necessary move.

“Throughout this entire pandemic the safety and welfare of our players, staff, fans and other stakeholders has been our main priority.

"It is with this in mind that we have closed the training ground and notified the EFL of the need to postpone the next two fixtures.

“I wish everyone concerned a quick and full recovery.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle duo Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles have been suffering from the long-term effects of Covid-19.

The Magpies revealed their identities to quash rumours of a bust-up between the Toon pair and boss Steve Bruce.

Neither Saint-Maximin nor Lascelles - along with Javier Manquillo and Fabian Schar - has featured since November 21 following a coronavirus outbreak.

Bruce called the impact the virus has had on his players 'frightening' and 'brutal'.