Over the past few weeks, Tottenham Hotspur and the rest of the Premier League have dealt with COVID-19 affecting their schedules and squad.
The virus has caused Spurs to postpone two matches and nearly cost them this weekend’s matchup against Crystal Palace, as early reports suggested the game would not occur.
During a press conference with the media, The Guardian relayed manager Antonio Conte’s remarks, stating that the PCR test is the best method for the Premier League to proceed through this situation.
“This is a big mess because you can prepare with a player that the next day you can’t [play in the game]. Also, the players that are positive can infect the other players. But I think now we’re doing very well because before the training session, there is a rapid test, and then the other test you have the result the day after,” Conte said.
“I think this is a good solution. [A rapid test] is not 100%, but there’s a good percentage of reality in this test. But we did have these problems two weeks ago. We were having training sessions; I was preparing for the game, and then at the end of the training session, you can have a positive player in your team.”
Conte is hopeful that the worst is behind his squad since he stated that one positive test result could disrupt everything before a match. Tottenham already has to make room on their schedule for three games that were postponed.
Spurs are deep in their domestic cup competitions so, should they proceed further, the first few weeks of the new year could be a busy time for and Conte and his men as they fight for a top-four spot.