Three Nomads players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Europa League tie

Three Connah’s Quay Nomads players have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of Thursday evening’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Dinamo Tbilisi.

An additional player is also showing symptoms, but Nomads will go ahead with the fixture at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, despite having just 14 players available.

A Nomads statement said tonight: “On Tuesday night our entire playing squad, coaching staff and operational staff undertook the mandatory COVID-19 testing, as stipulated by UEFA, and as a result, three senior players have tested positive with an additional player showing symptoms of the virus.

“Throughout our return to play, we have adhered to all of the regulations and recommendations put in place by both FAW and UEFA. The health and safety of our staff and players is our absolute priority at all times and every single decision and action that we have taken reflects this.

“As a result of the positive tests, all affected players have been put into self-isolation with immediate effect.

“Following communications with Public Health Wales, UEFA and the Football Association of Wales today, we have followed all of the steps in the Return to Play protocol and every recommendation made to the club throughout each phase of our return to competitive football.

“By diligently following the advice of the relevant authorities, and putting extensive measures in place, we’ve been given the go-ahead to continue with hosting the game at the Racecourse.

“It’ll be an enormous challenge for the club to take on the Georgian champions with just 14 available players but we will give it our all regardless.

“Following pre-season we had already accumulated a number of injuries as George Horan sustained a pulled hamstring and Aeron Edwards broke his hand. These compound an already difficult situation for the club.”

Cymru Premier title-holders Nomads initially entered the Uefa Champions League but were knocked out 2-0 by FK Sarajevo of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a one-off game in Cardiff.

The Quay began their defence of the Cymru Premier crown with a 1-1 home draw against Bala Town on Saturday.

Now comes a tough test against the mighty Tbilisi.