Watch: Not postponing matches over COVID-19 issue is a safety risk, says Tuchel

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says player safety is at risk after his side were made to play their Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanders on Sunday despite a COVID-19 outbreak.

Tuchel’s side had a request for the fixture to be postponed after reporting several positive cases at the club.

Chelsea had just four outfield players on the bench as they drew 0-0 with Wolves.

“It is not safe,” Tuchel told BBC Sport.

He added: “We talk about protecting players and a safe environment but it is not safe. I would be not surprised if the next test shows up and we have more positives.

“How should it stop if we sit in the bus and have dinners and just stay together like nothing happened?”

Six of the Premier League’s 10 weekend matches were postponed because of Covid. Aston Villa’s game with Burnley on Saturday was called off just two and a half hours before the scheduled 15:00 GMT kick-off.

The 20 top-flight clubs are set to meet on Monday at 13:00 GMT to discuss the escalating crisis around the coronavirus pandemic.

Managers and captains are also due to hold their own meetings.

Speaking after his side’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Sunday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp outlined his own frustrations around the current schedule.

The Reds are currently without the likes of Thiago, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Curtis Jones and Jordan Henderson due to Covid-related issues or ill health.

“We play now on Wednesday, Sunday and Tuesday,” Klopp said.

“That is impossible. We do not have the players. We could maybe have another [Covid] case or two. We have to think about it, we cannot just push it all through.

“First of all, take away the second semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Just play once, wherever you play it I don’t care. The 26th and 28th December is really not possible. We would prefer to play but we need some help. If we carry on, we cannot carry on as usual.

“If we don’t play any more and have a break I am fine. But I know the problem. When do you want to play the games? It is not that easy to fit them in. We said before coronavirus that it was a bit busy and now it gives us a proper punch.”