Prem stars will need to take Covid test EVERY DAY in their car before reporting to training to combat Omicron spread

ALL Prem stars will have to take a lateral flow test EVERY day as clubs brace for potential crowd restrictions in the coming weeks.

The 20 top flight clubs agreed to adopt new “emergency” measures aimed at preventing virus spread in the face of the Omicron variant scare.

GettyTwo Prem games have already been postponed this season due to Covid outbreaks[/caption]

They include daily tests for all Prem players and staff – with negative results required for entrance to the training ground to be granted.

Club chiefs were told there are no plans for restrictions on fan numbers at this stage.

But there is a growing expectation that extra measures might be brought in by the Government – although they will fall well short of another Prem shutdown unless the virus snowballs completely out of control.

In an additional move to the daily tests, each player and staff member will also be required to take PCR tests twice per week – one of which will take place the day before a game.

Prem bosses believe the new regulations are a recognition of the speed of transmission of Omicron.

Daily lateral flow tests as well as the extra PCR samples will allow league chiefs to keep updated on the potential spread of the virus and act swiftly if there are warning signs.

The Government insist protection from Omicron is dependent on receiving a double vaccination and booster jab.

The take up of the vaccine among top flight English clubs has been low, although the Prem insist it has picked up since October.

Following the postponements of Tottenham’s game at Brighton on Sunday and last night’s clash between Brentford and Manchester United – coupled with the 42 new Covid cases recorded among Prem clubs last week – club bosses expect further individual matches may fall prey to the virus.

At this stage, though, there is no threat to the season, with clubs reassured that the preventative measures they are already adopting under the Government’s Plan B should avoid the worst outcome.

That will see fans warned to expect to have to show proof of double-vaccinated status or a negative Covid test and greater mask wearing in stadiums.

But clubs are aware that an escalation of the Omicron spread over the coming days and weeks could see more stringent measures on fans introduced.

The first potential move would be an officially-enforced reduction in stadium capacities, such as the regulations in Germany which have seen gates cut by 50 per cent or to a maximum of 15,000.

So far that has not been proposed and would be resisted by clubs – especially the likes of Spurs who could lose £4m-plus in revenue.

Some club chiefs, though, have been discussing the possibility of a return to games being played behind closed doors for a short period as early as next month.

While that would have a huge impact on short-term gate revenues, it would at least allow the matches to continue – and ensure that there was no loss of TV income to broadcasters demanding rebates if matches are not played.

League chiefs remain hopeful they can get through to January 22, when the Prem will enter a two-week break because of World Cup qualifiers outside Europe.

That fortnight off would provide a “firewall” against the virus impact if it does get worse in the medium term – although a more virulent and aggressive outbreak could overwhelm football.

Speaking about the Covid situation, the Prem said: “The safety of everybody is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.

“The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and will increase the frequency of both Lateral Flow and PCR COVID-19 testing of players and staff. 

“The Premier League’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are applicable to all clubs, include protocols such as wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time. These are in addition to the more frequent testing.”

Outside of the Prem, the EFL is yet to insist on any form of mandatory testing.

Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals