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 househould tested positive for the virus and while the 40-year-old tested negative himself, he has been self-isolating for the last week to avoid coming into contact with his players.
As such, Parker will not be in the dugout 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 dugout for the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on December 30th, provided he returns another negative test beforehand.
ℹ️ Scott Parker will not be in the dugout on Boxing Day, after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 24, 2020
Matt Wells & Stuart Gray will take charge of the team for the Southampton fixture.#FFC
The former Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham and Charlton midfielder released a statement through the club revealing his disappointment at missing the game.
"I’m absolutely gutted and disappointed that I’m not able to be there at the weekend. I’m feeling well but a member of my household tested positive, and due to the guidelines I’ve had to self-isolate. My family member is fine and on the mend.
"I’ve got an unbelievable team around me. I know the players are in good hands, and I’m maintaining constant communication with everyone.
"The way the team’s moving is very positive, and I think you’ve seen that in recent performances. We’re coming into a festive period with a lot of football matches, and we need to maintain the levels we’ve shown over the last few weeks."
Fulham started the season horribly, losing five of their first six fixtures, but have recently improved their performances and starting being more competitive.
They got a shock win 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 fixture list coming up over the next couple of weeks, the Cottagers will be looking to pick up points and get themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Source: 90min
