Watford boss Nigel Pearson respects the decision of players who are not attending training over coronavirus fears. Yesterday it was revealed that defender Adrian Mariappa had tested positive for the virus, just two days after captain Troy Deeney stated he would not be attending training due to his concerns. As well as Mariappa, two members of staff also tested positive for Covid-19, leading to other members of the squad following Deeney’s stance of not attending the first phase of training.
Pearson said: “I spoke to[Deeney] yesterday. He is fine and I know he is in good physical shape. I don’t want to talk too much about individuals but every player or member of staff that it affects in different ways we have to respects players’ views on returning. I have spoken to players who have chosen at the moment that that is their stance and we abide with what we have already said to them and we respect their decision.”