COVID-19: Second Premier League manager tests positive

Two Premier League coaches have now tested positive for COVID-19 in as many days.

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the club’s Boxing Day trip to Tottenham.

The former Arsenal captain becomes the second Premier League coach to return a positive result in as many days, after his Aston Villa counterpart Steven Gerrard on Christmas Day.

Palace also reportedly attempted to postpone their match at Tottenham because of a number of positive tests in the first-team, including Vieira’s, but their appeal came to nothing.

Assistant coach Osian Roberts will deputize in the dugout instead, while Vieira self-isolates.

“We can confirm that Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is self-isolating after returning a positive test for Covid-19, and will be absent from the touchline for today’s match against Spurs,” read statement. “Assistant manager Osian Roberts will deputize for Vieira for today’s match.”

We can confirm that Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is self-isolating after returning a positive test for Covid-19, and will be absent from the touchline for today’s match against Spurs.

Assistant manager Osian Roberts will deputise for Vieira for today’s match.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/nBNmkLlxMG

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 26, 2021

Which games could Vieira miss?

The Frenchman will need to isolate for at least seven days before he can get the all-clear to return.

Therefore, Palace could be without their manager for at least three games. This includes Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, as well as two further Premier League fixtures against Norwich City and West Ham.

The Premier League has already postponed three Boxing Day fixtures in Burnley vs Everton, Liverpool vs Leeds and Wolves vs Watford.