Cobblers' Boxing Day fixture at Ipswich Town postponed due to COVID

Cobblers will not be travelling to Portman Road on Boxing Day after the EFL confirmed the Sky Bet League One fixture has been postponed following a number of coronavirus cases within the Ipswich Town squad.

Ipswich revealed on Saturday evening that manager Paul Lambert had tested positive for COVID, as well as five others. The club informed the EFL and it has now been confirmed that Saturday's scheduled trip to Suffolk will not go ahead.

It means Town will have the weekend off before facing Gillingham at the PTS on Tuesday, with their trip to Portman Road set to be rearranged for later in the season.

"Ipswich Town’s next two Sky Bet League One fixtures against Northampton Town (Saturday 26 December) and AFC Wimbledon (Tuesday 29 December) have been suspended," confirmed an EFL statement.

"The club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following recent positive COVID-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate for 10 days as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

"The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations. Revised dates for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course."

Ipswich added in their own statement: "The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

"The individuals that have tested positive, including manager Paul Lambert – and those that have come into close contact with them – are all now self-isolating. First-team players and coaching staff that returned negative test results on Friday will be tested again on Wednesday morning."

Fellow League One clubs Peterborough United, Bristol Rovers and Sunderland are also all currently in shutdown due to coronavirus.