Sheffield United's plans to make a strong start back in the Championship have been hit after two players tested positive for coronavirus during their pre-season training camp in Spain.
A report in The Sun said a forward and reserve keeper tested positive and were forced to remain in Spain while the rest of the squad returned to England and were forced into isolation for the next 10 days.
Sportsmail has contacted the club for comment.
The news is a huge blow to new coach Slavisa Jokanovic, who will now be deprived of crucial time with his squad as they prepare an assault on the Championship and try to get straight back into the Premier League after being relegated last season with a miserly 23 points.
The Serbian would have been looking forward to putting his ideas across to the squad and coming up with a clear vision ahead of their season opener at home to Birmingham City on 7 August.
But now he will have to communicate with his players via phone and video call while they will only be able to train at home.
The first-team players will return from isolation just in time for a pre-season friendly with Doncaster on 28 July before facing Premier League Norwich City on 31 July in their final warm-up match.
Spain has a more liberal approach to visitors although coronavirus cases are steadily rising, with over 31,000 infections being reported on Friday.
But Britain has an even higher infection rate, with 54,674 cases reported on Saturday, with all government-imposed restrictions set to end on Monday, dubbed 'Freedom Day'.