"I know I'm very lucky" - Sheffield Wednesday forward Sam Winnall clarifies coronavirus post

On Tuesday afternoon the 29-year-old posted a message on Instagram saying he had tested positive for Covid-19 ‘out of curiosity’, despite the fact he was not suffering from any symptoms of the illness.

The post sparked speculation as to where Winnall had got any testing kit from.

But the former Barnsley man has since clarified that the test was supplied to him through Wednesday. Clubs up and down the country have tested their players with Chelsea’s England international Callum Hudson-Odoi among those to have tested positive.

The Government have drawn criticism for not supplying tests to frontline NHS staff due to what they have described as a shortage.

“Thanks for all your concern, it really means a lot,” Winnall posted on Tuesday evening.

“I know I’m very lucky to be in a position where I can get tested through the football club, as I understand that the tests are at a premium.

“But thankfully I am ok and I will continue to spread the message – stay at home, help the NHS and save lives.

“That is the most important thing in these cruel, uncertain and devastating times.”

The Owls are believed to have last trained on March 20 – well over the seven-day contagion period of Covid-19 and beyond the two-week incubation period – easing fears Winnall’s health may have been as a result of or could have infected other members of the Wednesday squad.

The Star understands that no other Wednesday players or staff have reported symptoms of the illness to the club.

Winnall had earlier posted on Instagram: “I know most of you will be sick of hearing this but I urge everyone who reads this to stay at home.

“I had no symptoms, no problems and no indications I had the virus. But after doing a test out of curiosity, I tested positive for Covis-19.

“This virus is invisible, anyone can have it. Thankfully, I am fine and not suffering. But that isn’t the case for everybody.

“Please stay home, don’t be selfish and respect other people’s health.”