Southampton’s squad get the Covid-19 all-clear after Stuart Armstrong’s positive test

Southampton received a clean bill of health from their coronavirus tests following Stuart Armstrong’s positive result – but have reintroduced some extra precautionary measures around their training ground for their players’ return.

Southampton players and staff underwent their regular weekly tests last week after it emerged while Armstrong was away on international duty that he had contracted Covid-19. 

The club’s results were all returned negative, though Southampton did take the step of closing their Staplewood base so they could carry out a deep clean of the site on Thursday.

Stuart Armstrong was on international duty with Scotland when he found out he had Covid-19

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s players, already given the weekend off before developments with Armstrong, were allowed back to their HQ today to begin their preparations for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

Along with the Premier League’s guidelines that were in place when they first returned for pre-season, extra safety measures are back in operation, including guidance on social distancing and movement around areas of their training ground.

Midfielder Armstrong, who has not displayed any symptoms of the virus, was required to isolate for 10 days following his test result and will miss Scotland’s three games during the international break.

Theo Walcott was in Southampton training for the first time since his loan return to the club

Kieran Tierney is also self-isolating after being deemed one of Armstrong’s close contacts

He is currently doing so in Scotland, where he is doing fitness work alone. His isolation period ends on Friday, meaning he would be clear to face Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge if deemed fit enough.

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney also remains north of the border, much to the frustration of the Gunners and the left-back himself, after being deemed one of Armstrong’s close contacts.

He was ordered to isolate for a fortnight, meaning he is set to miss Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City unless club chiefs can persuade the Scottish authorities to grant him an exemption.