Leicester Players Self-Isolating After Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

Brendan Rodgers must have been on top of the world on Monday night. After a spell of poor form, his Leicester side had just thumped Aston Villa 4-0 - avenging their defeat to the Villans in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

However, three days is a long time in football and the Northern Irishman has had to deal with some pretty devastating setbacks in the period following that result.

Not only are three of his players (unnamed) self-isolating after exhibiting symptoms associated with coronavirus. A previous report had claimed that the club is testing all of its stars with results expected on Friday.

In addition to the COVID-19 scare, James Maddison and Ricardo Pereira have also suffered injuries.

Here are all the key talking points from Rodgers' pre-Watford press conference where all of this was revealed (with quotes via BBC Sport Leicester).

On Self Isolated Players and Football Behind Closed Doors

“We’ve had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs [of coronavirus]. We’ve followed procedures and [as a precaution] they have been kept away from the squad.”

"We have a fantastic medical team here at the club that gives guidance to the players and staff and everyone. It’s been made pretty clear about what we should look out for."

Rodgers also gave his thoughts on playing games behind closed doors as a preventative measure.

"From a football perspective it would be a shame but the public's health is the most important aspect in all of this. We are guided by organisations and governments.

"The game is all about the players and the fans and if you have one that’s not there, then it’s not the same. It’s a totally different experience. They had it recently in Qatar, and you felt for the athletes who worked all that time and they go on to the podium and there’s no-one there.

"When the stands are full, that’s when it’s your time to shine. That’s why we do it, we’re doing it for them. When they’re not there it’s not the same experience."

On Injuries to James Maddison and Ricardo Pereira

First, Rodgers spoke on Pereira's season ending ACL injury that he sustained following a tackle with Jack Grealish on Monday.

"He’s a brilliant player and has been great for us all season. It’s a blow for us. With an injury like that you’re looking at 4 months earliest, latest 6 months. That’s the time-scale we’re expecting."

Then, he confirmed Maddison will be out until after the international break in a few weeks time with a calf injury.

"They’re players that have featured strongly for us. But there’s nothing we can do about it. But it will present an opportunity for other players to come in."

On Jamie Vardy Being One Away From 100 Premier League Goals

"There’s no doubt he’ll do that and get there. To reach that milestone in the short period of time shows the consistency and the quality of the player he is.

"As a footballer, his speed and movement. His tactical idea of the game is at a really high level. He’s an elite finisher, and has a natural gift for finishing. And as a person he has a steely determination."

On Former Leicester Boss Nigel Pearson

"In his spells here he did a brilliant job. He came in and really galvanised the squad. He eventually arrived into the Premier League and he’s made himself a true legend here because of the work that he’s done.

You can see the effect of the way he’s gone in there [at Watford] and has galvanised them now and got them organised. We’ll be ready for a tough game."

Source : 90min