Third Brighton player tests positive for coronavirus

Chief executive Paul Barber says unnamed player will go into 14-day isolation

The American Express Community Stadium in Brighton. Reuters

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber revealed a third player at the club has tested positive for coronavirus.

The unnamed player will go into 14-day isolation while he recovers.

The Press Association reported that the rest of the Brighton squad will continue to train as they have been doing during the lockdown, both at home and in solo sessions at the club's training ground.

Two other players, whose names have also not been revealed by the club, contracted the virus earlier. They are understood to have since recovered but it is not clear whether they have returned to training.

"Unfortunately we have had a third player test positive just yesterday," Barber told Sky Sports News.

"Despite all the measures we have all been taking over the last few weeks, when the players haven't been involved in taking any significant training at all, we have still suffered another player testing positive for the virus.

"There are concerns and I think it is normal for all clubs to have those concerns. We want to make sure we do all that we can that the protocols that are put into place are safe and secure and mitigate the risk."

The news comes ahead of Monday's crucial Premier League meeting, where clubs are expected to vote on Project Restart's plans to complete the season at neutral venues.

Brighton have been critical of that idea, insisting that the campaign should be played on a home-and-away basis.

The Press Association also reported that Brighton are against the idea of the current sides occupying the bottom three – Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa – being relegated if the season cannot be completed.

The Seagulls have received criticism for their vocal stance but Barber insists all clubs will act with a degree of self-interest.

"People will accuse us of self-interest, I totally understand that, but at this stage of the season there is self-interest at every level of the table," he added.