Chelsea coach Frank Lampard faces a disrupted pre-season. EPA
Chelsea coach Frank Lampard faces a disrupted pre-season. EPA
Chelsea coach Frank Lampard faces a disrupted pre-season. EPA
Chelsea coach Frank Lampard faces a disrupted pre-season. EPA

Football

Eight Chelsea stars in coronavirus quarantine ahead of new season - reports

Coach Frank Lampard facing huge disruption in pre-season

Dominic Hart

August 27, 2020

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Chelsea's plans for the new season have been thrown into turmoil after they were hit by a coronavirus outbreak with eight of their players missing pre-season as they self-isolate, according to reports.

The Blues are back in training and preparing for the new Premier League season, with Frank Lampard's side due to visit Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening match on Monday, September 14.

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But eight players - most of them believed to be first-team picks - are also reported to be staying away from Chelsea's Cobham base.

It is not known which of the players have tested positive. The Telegraph reported that six players have the virus and a further two are quarantining because of close contact with those affected.

The quarantine period will prove a disruption to Lampard's pre-season plans, with the Blues still working hard on recruitment off the pitch.

England left-back Ben Chilwell has completed his £45 million (Dh220m) switch from Leicester City, while France Under 21 international Malang Sarr and Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva are understood to be close to completing moves to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea season ratings

CHELSEA 2019/20 RATINGS: MANAGER: Frank Lampard - 8. Lampard's appointment last summer was met with realistic optimism. Chelsea's greatest goalscorer was back at the club but had to contend with a transfer embargo that meant he was unable to replace the sold Eden Hazard. Billed as Chelsea's weakest squad in years, Lampard steered the Blues to a top four finish in the Premier League, the FA Cup final, and the Champions League last 16. All while giving ample opportunities to the club's youngsters. There is still plenty of room for improvement, particularly with the team's defensive frailties, but an impressive first year in the Stamford Bridge dugout. Getty Images
CHELSEA 2019/20 RATINGS: MANAGER: Frank Lampard - 8. Lampard's appointment last summer was met with realistic optimism. Chelsea's greatest goalscorer was back at the club but had to contend with a transfer embargo that meant he was unable to replace the sold Eden Hazard. Billed as Chelsea's weakest squad in years, Lampard steered the Blues to a top four finish in the Premier League, the FA Cup final, and the Champions League last 16. All while giving ample opportunities to the club's youngsters. There is still plenty of room for improvement, particularly with the team's defensive frailties, but an impressive first year in the Stamford Bridge dugout. Getty Images
GOALKEEPERS: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4. There are many things you want from the world’s most expensive goalkeeper. Being a liability is not one of them. The Spaniard had one of the worst save percentages in the Premier League and has been a major culprit in Chelsea’s defensive failings. His Stamford Bridge future looks bleak. Reuters
GOALKEEPERS: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4. There are many things you want from the world’s most expensive goalkeeper. Being a liability is not one of them. The Spaniard had one of the worst save percentages in the Premier League and has been a major culprit in Chelsea’s defensive failings. His Stamford Bridge future looks bleak. Reuters
Willy Caballero – 6. Chelsea’s No 2 has had a decent season. Limited to five league appearances, the Argentine has been the Cup keeper, helping his side reach the FA Cup final, so there can’t be too many complaints. EPA
Willy Caballero – 6. Chelsea’s No 2 has had a decent season. Limited to five league appearances, the Argentine has been the Cup keeper, helping his side reach the FA Cup final, so there can’t be too many complaints. EPA
DEFENDERS: Antonio Rudiger – 6. It was a mixed bag for the German centre-back, whose performances have ranged from commanding to comical. Should be part of Frank Lampard’s plans next season unless a tempting offer is made. Getty Images
DEFENDERS: Antonio Rudiger – 6. It was a mixed bag for the German centre-back, whose performances have ranged from commanding to comical. Should be part of Frank Lampard’s plans next season unless a tempting offer is made. Getty Images
Kurt Zouma – 7. The Frenchman made more appearances than any other central defender to mark an encouraging return to the first team after successive seasons on loan. As culpable as the rest for Chelsea’s back-line struggles but redeemed himself with 'that' tackle against Crystal Palace. AP
Kurt Zouma – 7. The Frenchman made more appearances than any other central defender to mark an encouraging return to the first team after successive seasons on loan. As culpable as the rest for Chelsea’s back-line struggles but redeemed himself with 'that' tackle against Crystal Palace. AP
Andreas Christensen – 6. In and out of the team this season, the Dane could be the one to make way if Chelsea recruit a new centre-back this summer. Reuters
Andreas Christensen – 6. In and out of the team this season, the Dane could be the one to make way if Chelsea recruit a new centre-back this summer. Reuters
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8. Chelsea’s captain remains as important as ever. Not only the team’s stand-out defender but chipped in with four goals and seven assists. His versatility has proved priceless when Lampard switched between formations. AP
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8. Chelsea’s captain remains as important as ever. Not only the team’s stand-out defender but chipped in with four goals and seven assists. His versatility has proved priceless when Lampard switched between formations. AP
Emerson Palmieri – 5. Started the season as first choice left-back but the Italian barely featured after the turn of the year. Is expected to leave this summer. AP Photo
Emerson Palmieri – 5. Started the season as first choice left-back but the Italian barely featured after the turn of the year. Is expected to leave this summer. AP Photo
Reece James – 8. An impressive debut season for the English right-back. Solid in defence, full of pace and power going forward, and with an excellent final delivery. At just 20, James is only going to get better. Chelsea have their right-back for the next 10 years. AFP
Reece James – 8. An impressive debut season for the English right-back. Solid in defence, full of pace and power going forward, and with an excellent final delivery. At just 20, James is only going to get better. Chelsea have their right-back for the next 10 years. AFP
Marcos Alonso – 6. This is a unique one as the Spaniard deserves a 7 or 8 as a wing-back but would probably get a 3 or 4 as a left-back. His overall rating is a reflection of that. EPA
Marcos Alonso – 6. This is a unique one as the Spaniard deserves a 7 or 8 as a wing-back but would probably get a 3 or 4 as a left-back. His overall rating is a reflection of that. EPA
Fikayo Tomori – 7. Like James, another academy graduate to impress in his breakthrough season. Tomori started brightly before injury disrupted his campaign. He looks the real deal, though, and should have a bright future at the Bridge. Scored arguably Chelsea's goal of the season against Wolves. Shutterstock
Fikayo Tomori – 7. Like James, another academy graduate to impress in his breakthrough season. Tomori started brightly before injury disrupted his campaign. He looks the real deal, though, and should have a bright future at the Bridge. Scored arguably Chelsea's goal of the season against Wolves. Shutterstock
Tariq Lamptey – 6. Looked lively in the few games he played, particularly the 31-minute cameo against Arsenal. Opted to leave the club in January and has since helped Brighton remain in the Premier League. AP
Tariq Lamptey – 6. Looked lively in the few games he played, particularly the 31-minute cameo against Arsenal. Opted to leave the club in January and has since helped Brighton remain in the Premier League. AP
MIDFIELDERS: N’Golo Kante – 7. After three exemplary seasons for Chelsea, this has been the toughest for the French midfielder, who has endured numerous injury setbacks. Still remains vitally important to the Blues and will look to reset next season. PA Wire
MIDFIELDERS: N’Golo Kante – 7. After three exemplary seasons for Chelsea, this has been the toughest for the French midfielder, who has endured numerous injury setbacks. Still remains vitally important to the Blues and will look to reset next season. PA Wire
Jorginho – 7. The Italian playmaker was superb during Chelsea’s fine autumn run and formed a good partnership with Mateo Kovacic. But he can be too one-dimensional and gets exposed in a defensive role. A good offer could see him leave this summer. AFP
Jorginho – 7. The Italian playmaker was superb during Chelsea’s fine autumn run and formed a good partnership with Mateo Kovacic. But he can be too one-dimensional and gets exposed in a defensive role. A good offer could see him leave this summer. AFP
Mason Mount – 8. Eight goals and six assists do not do justice to how good the English midfielder has been this season. A classy operator on the ball, fantastic in the high-press and brimming with quality. Lionel Messi believes Mount is destined for the top, so who are we to argue? Getty Images
Mason Mount – 8. Eight goals and six assists do not do justice to how good the English midfielder has been this season. A classy operator on the ball, fantastic in the high-press and brimming with quality. Lionel Messi believes Mount is destined for the top, so who are we to argue? Getty Images
Mateo Kovacic – 8. Had a decent enough loan spell last season but many fans did not think it warranted a €40m (Dh170m) move. That fee has so far proved money well spent after a brilliant campaign from the Croatian midfielder. Should get even better next year. Getty Images
Mateo Kovacic – 8. Had a decent enough loan spell last season but many fans did not think it warranted a €40m (Dh170m) move. That fee has so far proved money well spent after a brilliant campaign from the Croatian midfielder. Should get even better next year. Getty Images
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6. There is no disputing the English midfielder’s quality, but injuries have become a real issue. If he is fit and firing next season, Loftus-Cheek should have an important role in the squad. AFP
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6. There is no disputing the English midfielder’s quality, but injuries have become a real issue. If he is fit and firing next season, Loftus-Cheek should have an important role in the squad. AFP
Ross Barkley – 6. His best season in a Chelsea shirt with some real moments of quality. But the consistency that separates good and great players is still missing. EPA
Ross Barkley – 6. His best season in a Chelsea shirt with some real moments of quality. But the consistency that separates good and great players is still missing. EPA
Billy Gilmour – 7. Broke through in style with back-to-back man of the match performances against Liverpool and Everton. Looked a bit off the pace after the restart before getting injured, but the 19-year-old midfielder is an exciting talent. Reuters
Billy Gilmour – 7. Broke through in style with back-to-back man of the match performances against Liverpool and Everton. Looked a bit off the pace after the restart before getting injured, but the 19-year-old midfielder is an exciting talent. Reuters
FORWARDS: Christian Pulisic – 8. The American winger was held back at the start of the season and showed glimpses of his quality before injury struck. However, after the restart, Pulisic was Chelsea’s stand-out player and signed off his debut campaign with 11 goals and 10 assists. He will be even better next season. AFP
FORWARDS: Christian Pulisic – 8. The American winger was held back at the start of the season and showed glimpses of his quality before injury struck. However, after the restart, Pulisic was Chelsea’s stand-out player and signed off his debut campaign with 11 goals and 10 assists. He will be even better next season. AFP
Tammy Abraham – 8. The English striker’s form tailed off in the weeks either side of the lockdown but it should not take away from a fine debut season. Abraham’s goals in the first few months were what propelled Chelsea into top-four contention. He ended the campaign with 18 goals and six assists in all competitions. Getty Images
Tammy Abraham – 8. The English striker’s form tailed off in the weeks either side of the lockdown but it should not take away from a fine debut season. Abraham’s goals in the first few months were what propelled Chelsea into top-four contention. He ended the campaign with 18 goals and six assists in all competitions. Getty Images
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 5. Another exciting talent for the future, this was meant to be a breakthrough season for Hudson-Odoi. Unfortunately, injury held the winger back, but at 19 he has plenty of time to progress. AFP
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 5. Another exciting talent for the future, this was meant to be a breakthrough season for Hudson-Odoi. Unfortunately, injury held the winger back, but at 19 he has plenty of time to progress. AFP
Willian – 8. Chelsea’s senior forward has led by example this season with 11 goals and nine assists. As the Brazilian leaves this summer, it was a fine way to complete his superb seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge. Getty Images
Willian – 8. Chelsea’s senior forward has led by example this season with 11 goals and nine assists. As the Brazilian leaves this summer, it was a fine way to complete his superb seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge. Getty Images
Michy Batshuayi – 3. Barely featured this season and this must surely be the summer the Belgian striker leaves for good. AFP
Michy Batshuayi – 3. Barely featured this season and this must surely be the summer the Belgian striker leaves for good. AFP
Pedro – 5. Injuries, illness, and a drop down the pecking order saw the Spanish winger’s impact limited during his final season. Will be remembered fondly by the Chelsea faithful. Getty Images
Pedro – 5. Injuries, illness, and a drop down the pecking order saw the Spanish winger’s impact limited during his final season. Will be remembered fondly by the Chelsea faithful. Getty Images
Olivier Giroud – 8. Almost left in January after growing frustrated with his lack of game time. Chelsea fans will be grateful he didn’t as the French striker hit a run of goalscoring form after the restart and replaced Abraham as Chelsea’s first choice striker. EPA
Olivier Giroud – 8. Almost left in January after growing frustrated with his lack of game time. Chelsea fans will be grateful he didn’t as the French striker hit a run of goalscoring form after the restart and replaced Abraham as Chelsea’s first choice striker. EPA
ICC T20 Rankings

1. India - 270 ranking points

 

2. England - 265 points

 

3. Pakistan - 261 points

 

4. South Africa - 253 points

 

5. Australia - 251 points 

 

6. New Zealand - 250 points

 

7. West Indies - 240 points

 

8. Bangladesh - 233 points

 

9. Sri Lanka - 230 points

 

10. Afghanistan - 226 points

 
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"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

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