Scott Parker will miss Fulham’s Boxing Day clash against Southampton after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Someone in Parker’s house should have tested positive for the virus and while the 40-year-old has tested negative himself, he has self-isolated for the past week to avoid coming into contact with its players.
As such, Parker will not be in the canoe at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day and instead, Fulham will be led by his assistant Stuart Gray and first team coach Matt Wells.
Parker will return to the shelter for the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on December 30, provided he returns another negative test beforehand.
ℹ️ Scott Parker will not be in the canoe on Boxing Day, after a member of his family has tested positive for Covid-19.
Matt Wells and Stuart Gray will take charge of the squad for the Southampton game.#FFC
– Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 24, 2020
The former Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham and Charlton midfielder has released a statement through the club revealing his disappointment at missing the game.
“I am absolutely disappointed and disappointed that I could not be there this weekend. I feel good but a member of my family tested positive and due to the guidelines I had to self-isolate. My family member is doing well and on the mend.
“I have an incredible team around me. I know the players are in good hands and I maintain constant communication with everyone.
“The way the team is moving is very positive, and I think you’ve seen it in recent performances. We are entering a festive period with a lot of football matches, and we have to maintain the levels that we have shown over the past few weeks. “
Fulham has started the season horribly, losing five of his first six matches, but has recently improved his performance and started to be more competitive.
They clinched a shock victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium at the end of November and have drawn each of their last three games, including against champions Liverpool earlier this month.
With a hectic line-up to come in the coming weeks, the Cottagers will be looking to earn points and break out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
