Chelsea's plans for the new season have been thrown into turmoil after they were hit by a coronavirus outbreak with eight of their players missing pre-season as they self-isolate, according to reports. The Blues are back in training and preparing for the new Premier League season, with Frank Lampard's side due to visit Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening match on Monday, September 14. But eight players - most of them believed to be first-team picks - are also reported to be staying away from Chelsea's Cobham base. It is not known which of the players have tested positive. <em>The Telegraph</em> reported that six players have the virus and a further two are quarantining because of close contact with those affected. The quarantine period will prove a disruption to Lampard's pre-season plans, with the Blues still working hard on recruitment off the pitch. England left-back Ben Chilwell has completed his £45 million (Dh220m) switch from Leicester City, while France Under 21 international Malang Sarr and Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva are understood to be close to completing moves to Stamford Bridge.