Nottingham Forest call off Burnley friendly amid Covid cases

Nottingham Forest's first scheduled home fixture for the 2021-22 campaign is the EFL Cup tie with Bradford City on Wednesday 11 August

Nottingham Forest have been forced to cancel Saturday's pre-season game against Burnley at the City Ground because of Covid-19 cases at the club.

It is the second friendly called off by Forest following Wednesday's away match against Aston Villa.

Forest say a "small number of players" returned positive tests and are now self-isolating.

A statement said the club would "rigorously adhere" to the guidelines to protect players and staff.

The Covid cases were identified as part of Forest's on-going testing programme.

Forest kick off their new season with a trip to Coventry on Sunday, 8 August, followed by home games against Bradford City and Bournemouth in the EFL Cup and Championship.

"It is disappointing that we have not been able to get a run-out against Premier League opposition but Sean Dyche and Burnley Football Club have been very understanding for which I am grateful," said boss Chris Hughton.

"I am also very disappointed that Forest supporters will have to wait a little bit longer to return to The City Ground but the team and I look forward to welcoming them back against Bradford and Bournemouth.

"The focus of everybody at the club is now to prepare for the Coventry fixture."