Southampton - Shrewsbury FA Cup game called off due to coronavirus

Southampton’s FA Cup third round match with League One side Shrewsbury Town has been called off due to Steve Cotteril’s side seeing a number of positive coronavirus tests.

According to Southampton, the club received confirmation from the FA that Saturday’s fixture was to be cancelled after numerous players and staff from Shrewsbury tested positive for COVID-19.

Saints were scheduled to host the third-tier side at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

“A meeting of the FA’s Professional Game Board will take place early next week to make a decision as to what will happen with the fixture,” said a statement from the club

Southampton, of course, have had their own battles with coronavirus as the UK struggles to cope with a surge in coronavirus infections.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy missed Monday night’s game with Liverpool after a positive test, while manager Ralph Hasenhuttl wasn’t on the sideline against West Ham United at the end of December due to a member of his household was confirmed to have COVID-19.

40 positive COVID-19 cases were discovered over two rounds of Premier League testing in late December and early January, with three matches postponed.