Premier League Set To Go Into Suspension

In football news, the Premier League in England looks certain to be suspended, following a number of high profile positive tests among managers and players.

Already the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been diagnosed as positive with the virus Covid-19. This morning, it was also revealed that the rising Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi had tested positive.

Meanwhile the rumour mill is in full flight. Three players from another Premier League club, Leicester City, are also being tested. And over at Everton, one player reported symptoms consistent with the virus – and as a result all of the club's players are being tested.

Inevitably, this will prove to be merely the tip of the iceberg. And, thus, with the possibility of entire clubs being unable to field a team, it appears to be a racing certainty that the Premier League will be halted at least on a temporary basis.

One of the biggest issues for clubs, as well as for Premier League officials, is that no one knows how long any suspension might last. A meeting of Premier League clubs is scheduled by video link this morning – but it is hard to imagine anything other than a decision to take the safe route – hugely damaging as it will be for many clubs, with some facing the possibility of financial ruin, if they have to continue to pay players’ enormously extravagant wages.

What it might all mean to Liverpool, who are currently runaway leaders in the Premiership race remains to be seen. While the title will almost certainly be theirs either way, to win it in a season that is not completed would be a sad way o end what has been an extraordinary year for the club on the football field.

More on this later.