Crucially, the guidance allows players to train and compete
New government guidance issued to Premier League clubs means players and staff returning from away fixtures in Europe will need to isolate for 10 days.
The Athletic say that the 10-day period can, however, be halved provided an individual can return a negative Covid-19 test after five days of isolation and – crucially – that those involved are still permitted to train and play in competitive fixtures.
Whereas those clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League competitions had not previously had any restrictions placed on them when arriving back from overseas trips, the new guidance means they will have to follow quarantine regulations akin to those in place for other members of the general public.
With the return of international fixtures scheduled for next month, the guidance also says that any individuals selected to represent their countries must remain strictly to their sporting bubble to avoid any extended periods of isolation when they return.
As things stand, seven English clubs are competing in European competition: Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are in the knockout rounds of the Champions League; Manchester United, Tottenham, Leicester City and Arsenal are in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Some clubs – including Liverpool and Manchester United – have seen fixtures moved to different locations in Europe due to coronavirus restrictions in place in some areas of the continent.
