Sheffield United have recorded “a number of positive coronavirus tests” as the Premier League’s Covid-crisis continues to unfold over the festive period.

A club statement announced that this week’s testing had resulted in several positive tests emerging among personnel, though they did not confirm whether the positives were among Chris Wilder’s playing squad or staff.

The news came just hours before the Blades were due to take on Burnley on Tuesday evening, but Sheffield United confirmed that the match, which kicks off at Turf Moor at 6pm, is set to go ahead as planned.

The statement read: “Sheffield United can confirm the club recorded a number of positive coronavirus tests after the latest round of testing.

“Due to medical confidentiality the club will not be revealing the names of those who have been affected.

“The individuals who have tested positive have now entered into a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and government guidelines.”

The announcement follows the Premier League’s record number of positive coronavirus tests, which saw 18 recorded last week across the 20 clubs - the most since testing began earlier this year. It also comes after the UK posted its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases after 41,385 new Covid cases and 357 deaths were recorded on Monday.

On the same day, the Premier League were forced to postpone Manchester City’s trip to Everton after the former recorded several more positive test results, following the four recorded on Christmas Day.

Neither the test results taken from Manchester City on Monday, nor those recorded this week at Sheffield United, are factored into the 18 tests recorded by the Premier League over the period of 21-27 December, and they will be included among the next tally when published.

Sheffield United’s statement added: “Earlier today, the Premier League confirmed 18 positive coronavirus tests - the highest figure of the season so far.

“Everyone at Sheffield United would like to extend our best wishes to our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery.”