Frank Lampard Provides Positive Update on Callum Hudson-Odoi as Chelsea Training Ground Reopens

Frank Lampard has revealed that Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has made 'great progress' after testing positive for coronavirus, while the club has reopened their Cobham training ground for those who are not self-isolating.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta tested positive to COVID-19 late on Thursday, before it was confirmed just a matter of hours later that Hudson-Odoi had also contracted the virus. 

As a result, the teenager went into isolation, while anyone who had been in contact with him also entered into self-isolation. 

Blues boss Lampard has explained that Hudson-Odoi has made 'great progress' since testing positive. He said: "I’m happy to say that in Callum’s case, he has made great progress and almost feels his usual self, which is obviously the news we all want to hear."

Following the 19-year-old's diagnosis, the first-team building at Cobham was closed and the entire training ground was cleaned thoroughly. However, ​Chelsea have taken to their ​official website to confirm that the building at Cobham has now reopened for those working there who are not self-isolating. 

The club have sent all members of the men’s first team squad an exercise bicycle for indoor use and nutritional plans. Moreover, they also have tailored fitness programmes, which will continue to aid those who are still at home.

Meanwhile, the 41-year-old Chelsea boss claimed that while while he is no medical expert, he hopes people will help 'take care of each other'. More specifically, Lampard has encouraged everyone to take the time to help others, such as older relatives and those who are vulnerable to the virus. He stressed that, in this time, health is the most important thing - not when the football will return. 

"I am of course aware that not everyone can or will recover from this virus, so I urge all of the football and sporting community to continue to act responsibly and look out for the health of others," he continued.

"I want to make it clear that I am no medical expert when it comes to challenging times such as these but please do take the time to call older relatives and vulnerable people who might be alone, or offer to drop round shopping if they can’t get out. Let’s make sure we all take care of each other. 

"Social distancing can leave us feeling isolated, however we can continue to support each other even if that means doing it remotely. Of course we still don’t know when competitive football will restart, but it isn’t worth worrying about that too much at the moment. We all miss football, but right now it’s about acting responsibly and in the best interests of society. 

"I am sure I wasn’t the only one who found myself in a strange place with no sport this weekend, but ultimately none of that matters when we consider the bigger picture."

For more updates on how the coronavirus is impacting the footballing world, ​follow our live blog here.