YORK City will have to take slightly a different approach to team selection on Saturday as the squad deal with the knock-on effects of another coronavirus isolation period.
Players and staff have been out of action for a fortnight following positive Covid-19 tests at the Minstermen, resulting in not only missed training sessions but players unable to exercise by leaving the house.
The novel coronavirus also affects the lungs.
Some of the squad will only be able to complete two days’ training before they head to Shropshire for their National League North clash at AFC Telford United (3pm).
Manager Steve Watson, who tested positive for the virus before York’s scheduled trip to Boston United on January 9, said: “The problem with the isolation is you can’t get out and do anything, whereas under general lockdown, you can exercise.
“Even the lads who didn’t have the virus still had to isolate.
“Picking the side on Saturday, me and Micky are wary that the side will be more to do with who is the fittest and who is the most capable of producing 90 minutes and fitting a team, a system and a balance around that.”
On his own health following his bout with the virus, Watson said: “I’m alright, to be honest with you. Everybody’s different with how they cope with the virus.
“I probably only had a day, a day and a half, where I felt under the weather and for the last five, six days, maybe a week, I’ve been standing at the window dying to get out.
“I was delighted to get back on the training pitch.
“If it’s affected the players the way it’s affected me, I don’t expect them to take that long to get back, hopefully. But as I say, everybody’s different.”
Attacker Harry Bunn and full-back Owen Gamble are nearing returns from injuries, Watson reported, and could be close to training by this time next week.
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