THREE players and two members of staff at a Premier League football side are suffering from swine flu, it emerged today.

THREE players and two members of staff at a Premier League football side are suffering from swine flu, it emerged today.

Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce confirmed that the virus had broken out prior to the weekend's Barclays Premier League match against Chelsea - which Rovers lost 5-0 - but refused to name the individuals.

Asked whether stars Chris Samba and David Dunn were two of the sufferers, Allardyce said: “It's definitely swine flu - you've speculated on the names and I'll leave it at that.

“We have had one more case this morning, one more player and there are a couple of staff.

“Other than that, the others that we left behind are recovering well but not available for tomorrow.”