Eight Chelsea stars in coronavirus quarantine ahead of new season - reports

Chelsea's plans for the new season have been thrown into turmoil after they were hit by a coronavirus outbreak with eight of their players missing pre-season as they self-isolate, according to reports. The Blues are back in training and preparing for the new Premier League season, with Frank Lampard's side due to visit Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening match on Monday, September 14. But eight players - most of them believed to be first-team picks - are also reported to be staying away from Chelsea's Cobham base. It is not known which of the players have tested positive. The Telegraph reported that six players have the virus and a further two are quarantining because of close contact with those affected. The quarantine period will prove a disruption to Lampard's pre-season plans, with the Blues still working hard on recruitment off the pitch. England left-back Ben Chilwell has completed his £45 million (Dh220m) switch from Leicester City, while France Under 21 international Malang Sarr and Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva are understood to be close to completing moves to Stamford Bridge.

Eight Chelsea stars in coronavirus quarantine ahead of new season - reports

Coach Frank Lampard facing huge disruption in pre-season