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Wayne Rooney 'could miss next three Derby County games as he self isolates for 14 days

Wayne Rooney 'could miss next three Derby County games as he self isolates for 14 days

Wayne Rooney is expected to learn on Monday whether he has tested positive for coronavirus as he faces the possibility of missing Derby’s next three games.

England’s record goalscorer was visited at his home last Thursday by Josh Bardsley — the younger brother of Burnley defender Phil Bardsley — unaware that Bardsley Jnr had been contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Bardsley later tested positive for Covid-19, while Rooney played 90 minutes in Derby’s 1-0 home defeat by Watford on Friday.

It is thought Rooney and Bardsley — who was delivering a luxury watch to the former Manchester United star — did not meet indoors.

NHS guidelines state that anyone who tests positive for the virus must self-isolate for 14 days from the day of contact with an infected person.

Derby are likely to test the rest of their squad ahead of Tuesday's Championship fixture at Huddersfield, with Rooney staying away from Sunday's session.

Coronavirus tests are not mandatory in the EFL, although the Rams players who played for their countries during the international break were tested last week.

A statement from Rooney’s representatives said the 34-year-old was ‘angry and disappointed that he, his family and his club have been put in this position by someone acting secretly and in breach of Government and NHS guidelines’.

Sources close to the Derby County told MailOnline: ‘Wayne is furious and so is the club.

'Bardsely’s been very stupid and it’s had a huge, negative impact on Wayne because it means that he now has to isolate, and potentially could even have coronavirus.’

'He’s fuming and disappointed that he and his family been put into this position because of the reckless actions of one individual.'

Rooney’s self-isolation means that he will miss three games, not be able to train with the rest of the squad and will not be able to carry out his coaching duties.

Rooney's friend Bardsley, 27, entered his multi-million-pound mansion to deliver him a luxury watch last Thursday, according to The Sun.

This was despite him being contacted by Test and Trace in the days prior.

The imposed isolation period also means wife Coleen will be unable to take her children on holiday during their half-term break.

Derby and Watford players will also now likely to have take a coronavirus test after Rooney's Covid scare.

The Championship club released a statement in the early hours of Sunday, which read: 'On being made aware of this news the club has ensured that the appropriate measures were taken in line with strict EFL COVID-19 protocols and UK Government guidelines, which the club is operating under.

'The club will continue to adhere to the COVID-19 rules and protocols to ensure that the safest possible environment is provided for its players and staff.

'The club will make no further comment unless a further update is required in relation to this matter.'

MailOnline have approached Bardsley for comment.

The ex-Manchester United striker posed for pictures with his new watch on Bardsley's Avant Garde Global business Instagram account.

Bardsley wrote: 'Level Up… What a pleasure! Manchester United's all-time top goalscorer. England's all-time leading top goal scorer. Thanks for the business & enjoy.'

Rooney replied: 'Nice one lads.'

Rooney must wait to see the result of his test but could now be a major doubt for Derby's next four matches against Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff and Bournemouth.

In March, Rooney said the Government and football authorities were treating players like 'guinea pigs' by allowing games to initially continue as the coronavirus outbreak accelerated.

He even said he would consider retiring if his wife or children fell ill because he had caught the virus as a result of continuing to play football.

However, in April, Rooney was told off by police after he was spotted walking with Manchester City defender and neighbour Kyle Walker, despite the coronavirus lockdown.

The Cheshire neighbours were both walking along Prestbury golf course with their families - flouting rules to only go outside with your own households.

Rooney's former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo was also recently forced into self-isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.

Ex fellow England star David Beckham also caught the virus after a trip to the US.

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

Original Story on: GhanaSoccernet
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