Chelsea are unlikely to play another fixture at Stamford Bridge this season, if the current campaign is to resume and be brought to a conclusion.
Four of The Blues’ remaining nine English Premier League fixtures are scheduled to be played at The Bridge but it is becoming increasingly likely that Frank Lampard’s men will complete the season by playing their nine games at neutral venues.
BBC Sport have reported that the 20 English Premier League clubs have been informed that the season can only be completed by staging the remaining fixtures on neutral territory. The Government’s culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, delivered the news to the clubs via a video conference this afternoon.
It is understood that the remaining games will be staged at up to 10 neutral venues to help deter fans from congregating outside of clubs’ home stadiums.
The return of the English Premier League will not be considered until it is deemed safe to continue once the threat of the Coronavirus has receded. It is thought that 40,000 Covid-19 tests will need to be conducted before the season will be in a position to restart.
Chelsea players will be able to train at the club’s Cobham training ground, however, they will not be permitted to change, shower or eat on-site and they will be required to wear face masks during training until further notice.