Manchester City’s visit to Goodison Park to face Everton on Monday has been postponed due to coronavirus reasons. It adds to the increase of coronavirus circulating the globe with Newcastle United suffering similar problems a few weeks ago.
Game Called OFF Due to Positive Coronavirus Cases
Everton and Manchester City Game Postponed on Medical Grounds
Kyle Walker, Gabriel Jesus and two other staff members returned positive tests earlier in the week, subsequently missing the Boxing Day win against Newcastle. Now in the latest round of testing, the City bubble is set to have been compromised.
Manchester City COVID-19 Bubble Compromised
Both clubs confirmed the news after reports started to circulate that the game was under risk. In a statement Manchester City confirmed the news:
‘After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.
With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.
Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.
All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. The first team training ground at City Football Academy will close for an indeterminate period, with the squad and associated bubble undergoing testing before any decision is made for training to resume.
Everyone at the Club wishes all of our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.’
Fixture Congestion
The game is set to be rescheduled and leaves Pep Guardiola in a pretentious situation with several players set to be isolated for 10 days, per the government guidelines.
The cancellation also leaves City sixth in the table but with two games in hand over the majority of other teams whilst Carlo Ancelotti‘s side stay second for the time being trying to keep up with league leaders Liverpool who sit three points ahead.
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