Premier League: Third Brighton player tests positive for COVID-19

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has reportedly said the club's COVID-19 cases make it vital to proceed with caution as any miscalculation could end up costing lives.

Brighton: The Premier League’s challenge of resuming during the coronavirus pandemic was underscored on Sunday when Brighton announced that three of their players had tested positive just as clubs prepare for fresh talks on how they can create safe conditions to play again.

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has reportedly said the club's COVID-19 cases make it vital to proceed with caution as any miscalculation could end up costing lives, but has not named the players who fell ill with COVID19.

"Teams are going to suffer situations where players get ill. We need to understand what the Premier League's plan is for what happens in that eventuality. Because at the end of the day ... player and staff safety must be an absolute priority," said Barber last Thursday.

It reinforces how players could potentially spread the coronavirus if the government approves the reintroduction of group training and lifts the shut down of sports that has been in place since March.

The 20 Premier League clubs are due to hold a conference call on Monday after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the nation on Sunday night setting out the stages for lifting the lockdown.

The government has said it wants to see the return of the Premier League to “lift the spirits of the nation."

Even though fans will not be allowed in stadiums, the league's "Project Restart" faces resistance from clubs who will not approve plans to use neutral venues.

Watford claims to now be among at least six clubs insistent on being allowed to play at home - including Brighton - despite police saying that is not feasible.