Brentford matches struck down by covid risk.On Monday the 11th Brentford released the following statement regarding infections within the club  and how they plan to deal with them. 'We informed the EFL that we would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following the tests, the closure of the training ground and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.' This statement was made shortly after Thomas Frank was reported to have the virus. Two staff members at the club and a player who cannot be named for medical anonymity have had it since. This could have a damaging impact on the current good form of the team.

 

Brentford have had a great start to this season currently on a 15 streak of no league losses, winning their last 3 matches in the league. These match cancellations could have detrimental effects on the rhythm the team have gladly embraced these last few league games. Especially with Ivan Toney on great form as the current league top scorer. Could those 2 games be the difference for him? For strikers being on a good run is so important for confidence however Toney has proven himself in the 2nd and 3rd decision of English football so he should be able to deal with this setback. This has had effects on the coaching staff too. B team coach Neil MacFarlane stepped in against a strong Middlesbrough side but managed to show the same flair he’s been showing with the B’s in the 1st XI winning 2-1. Some of the pitch maintenance workers and other behind the scenes workers may have to face another daunting round of furlough although the club say they will do anything they can to prevent this.

 

There is speculation that the EFL are planning a four week break from football in order to allow covid cases to settle within the league. However, this would delay the end of the season by 4 weeks. These 4 weeks could cause players to have less rest and be less fit for the new season as the EFL are unlikely to allow the league to start 4 weeks later. This would lead to EFL trying to cram matches in which would be awful for player fitness. This break in 

football could also impact the FA cup which would be terrible for teams that are still involved in the cup. Many think that this could also negatively affect Brentford as they recently got through to the next round of the cup. These aren’t the only matches cancelled though, Tottenham’s home match against Fulham has been postponed. Overall many clubs are struggling with this new and more infectious strain, ‘The current strain has wiped right through our staff’ said Brian Caldwell, Shrewsbury chief executive.