Gillingham’s scheduled League One clash with Crewe Alexandra set for Saturday at Priestfield Stadium has been postponed due to Covid.

A statement from the club issued on Thursday afternoon reads:

“We informed the EFL that the club would be unable to fulfil the fixture at MEMS Priestfield Stadium due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases in the squad.”

“In light of the increased transmission rate of the Omicron variant, the EFL will now review the circumstances surrounding the postponement. In addition it will assist affected Clubs throughout this challenging period to help them mitigate against the risk of infection amongst players and staff, while ensuring their obligations to the EFL regulations are maintained.”

“A rearranged date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”

“Manager Steve Evans has confirmed that the details of players who have tested positive for COVID-19 will remain private and confidential. “

The game had been in some doubt after the club issued a statement on Thursday morning informing fans that Priestfield Stadium was to be closed due to a number of Covid cases.

That statement read:

“Given a number of positive COVID tests this morning amongst staff members, the Chairman has decided that, in the interests of safety of all personnel, the stadium should be closed immediately and staff asked to return to their homes. More details will follow.”

The Covid cases have clearly reached the playing staff and as result Saturday’s game was called off.

With an injury list as bad as ever seen at Priestfield, the postponement will allow Steve Evans more time to get the likes of Vadaine Oliver and Kyle Dempsey back fit.

Gillingham’s next scheduled League One fixture is now the home clash against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day, although that game must now be in doubt too.

Manager Steve Evans and defender Rhys Bennett had been set to attend Thursday morning’s press conference at Priestfield, but that didn’t go ahead as planned.