Chelsea play down swine flu fears

By Nabil Hassan

Blackburn played Chelsea on Saturday losing 5-0 to the Blues

Chelsea say they are unconcerned about claims from Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce that his players could have passed on swine flu to the Blues squad.

Allardyce's side lost 5-0 to Chelsea on Saturday after which he confirmed three of his players are ill with the virus.

Chelsea have told BBC Sport their medical department are taking precautions to ensure the health and well-being of the players.

Meanwhile, Bolton have revealed four of their players recovered from the virus.

Gary Megson's Bolton side play Chelsea in the Carling Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

And when asked if he was worried about his players coming into contact with Chelsea's, Megson said: "Not from that perspective because I've heard varying opinions.

"I think the one we all need to listen to is that from the medical people, who are saying that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to contract it in that way.

"From our own point of view, you're not going to be a business with quite a few employees and it totally escapes you.

606: DEBATE I can feel a bit of sympathy because it's swine flu being mentioned but three players missing is not the reason for postponing a game jacey26

"You are going to get one or two with swine flu and I think on the playing staff I think we have had five, four players and one member of staff.

"You try and do your best to avoid it but I would imagine it's near enough impossible.

"They are all okay at the moment, but it wouldn't be right to start giving you names."

There are now believed to be five cases in total at Blackburn and Allardyce says Chelsea could be the next club to be affected by swine flu.

"There is no doubt about that," Allardyce said.

"When you look at the medical side of it, it is one of the most infectious viruses we have had."

Manchester United, who host Blackburn on Saturday, refused to comment while Rovers' Carling Cup game at Peterborough will go ahead on Tuesday.

Allardyce has questioned the wisdom of the Premier League letting Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge proceed, after Blackburn informed them of the first two cases of swine flu in their squad.

But the Premier League say it is guided by the relevant statutory authorities. and have told club's to seek advice from the relevant government authorities.

The Premier League have also told BBC Sport that they do not anticipate at this stage a situation where any game will be postponed as a result of swine flu.

But Allardyce believes the Premier League are shirking responsibility.

He said: "They know that we went through the right procedures and that we did not call it off because we couldn't."

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