SAN FRANCISCO, December 28, (THEWILL) – The Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Everton scheduled for Monday, December 28 has been postponed after to a number of positive COVID-19 tests amongst City players.
Despite City pair of Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus testing positive for the Coronavirus previously, the game was still billed for Monday night at 8pm. However, it was called off entirely when more players and staff members were also infected.
An official statement about the postponement on City’s website, said: “Manchester City FC can confirm that this evening’s Premier League fixture at Everton has been postponed.
“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.”
This will be second Premier League tie to be postponed due to positive tests from a coronavirus outbreak during the 2020/2021 season, with Newcastle United’s game against Aston Villa delayed. A new date for that fixture is yet to be announced.
If City’s players cannot return to training soon, it will not be only their fixture against Chelsea on January 3 in doubt, but the EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester United three days later and also the FA Cup tie with Birmingham City, which is due to take place on January 10.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
