Players around the Premier League have been told to train individually or in small groups to avoid spreading or contracting the COVID-19 virus, but that hasn’t stopped them from keeping their skills in top shape.
Many have taken to social media to post videos of their continued work even as the league shuts down, as did Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof. French midfielder Pogba put up a video of him training on and off the ball, and teammate Lindelof can be seen in the background in attendance. Lindelof also posted a similar video on his own social media account.
Most notable is Pogba’s outfit, a Juventus kit which at first glance could cause a turning of heads given the Italian side is his former team, but a closer look notices the jersey is sporting Blaise Matuidi’s name and number, while Lindelof’s video shows him wearing an Albin Ekdal jersey. Both players have contracted the coronavirus while playing in Serie A. The caption of Pogba’s video confirms that the two wore the jerseys to support their compatriots.
He wrote in parenthesis at the bottom, “I know the cheeky ones will talk about the Juventus jersey 😏 I’m just supporting my friends ... that’s all, nothing more 😁.” Lindelof wrote, “Get well soon @albinekdal.”
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Manchester United fans will be happy to see Pogba training, as the midfielder has missed most of the season with an ankle injury. He’s made just seven Premier League appearances, including only two since September. Manchester United has been hit with a litany of injuries, and the Premier League shutdown may benefit the Red Devils in a health regard.
More coronavirus connections to soccer:
- FIFA released a statement on coronavirus.
- EURO 2020 postponed to the summer of 2021.
- Juventus confirm that World Cup-winning midfielder Blaise Matuidi has joined defender Daniele Rugani in testing positive for coronavirus.
- Manager Frank Lampard says Hudson-Odoi is nearly back to his usual self.
- Mason Mount breaks self-isolation and ‘reminded of responsibilities’ by Chelsea.
- The Premier League has postponed play through at least April 3. Aston Villa’s chief executive called it “a very good decision” while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said we must “protect each other.”
- CONCACAF has suspended play for a month, while UEFA postponed all fixtures next week ahead of a meeting to discuss plans for both club and international European competitions including the Champions League and Europa League.
- MLS announced its 2020 season is suspended for at least 30 days.
- Three Leicester City players are in self-isolation after displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
- Real Madrid players in isolation and La Liga games suspended for the next two weeks after Real basketball player tests positive for coronavirus.
- Serie A is considering alternative ways to conclude its scudetto and relegation races, including playoffs or the non-awarding of a champion.
