Mourinho trains with Spurs six as Doherty tests positive for coronavirus

Tottenham defender Matt Doherty has tested positive for COVID-19 while on duty with the Republic of Ireland, news that will no doubt anger an already frustrated Jose Mourinho.

Doherty featured for his country in both last Thursday’s friendly loss to England at Wembley and the 1-0 Nations League reverse against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.

However, Ireland announced on Monday that Doherty, along with team-mate James McClean, had returned a positive test result before the squad flew back to Dublin.

Neither will be involved in Wednesday’s game against Bulgaria, while the self-isolation guidelines imposed during the pandemic will also mean the duo will not be available for their clubs this weekend.

Mourinho will therefore have to do without Doherty when Spurs host Manchester City in Premier League action on Saturday.

The Portuguese seemingly made clear his feelings about the November international break in an Instagram post that showed him working out after a training session that saw just six players involved.

“Amazing week of football. Great emotions in the national team matches, superb friendlies and total safety,” Mourinho wrote. 

“Covid test results after matches been played, randomers running on the pitch while team sessions are taking place and much more.

“After another training session with only 6 players, it is now time to take care of myself.”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Jose Mourinho (@josemourinho)

Doherty has started six times in the league this season since arriving from Wolves, helping his new club sit second in the table.

After hosting Pep Guardiola’s City, Spurs have a Europa League group game against Ludogorets on November 26, followed by a trip to face London rivals Chelsea less than 72 hours later.