MANCHESTER CITY’S coronavirus outbreak has sparked fixture chaos – with next week’s huge trips to Chelsea and neighbours Manchester United in doubt.
Monday night’s clash at Everton was called off four hours before kick-off as more positive tests for City followed those of Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and two staff members.
Etihad chief Pep Guardiola knows massive games against Chelsea and Man Utd next week will surely have to be rearranged due to a Covid-19 outbreakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Man City face fixture problems after Monday’s clash at Everton was postponedCredit: PA:Press Association
Pep Guardiola’s men are due to visit Chelsea in the Premier League next Sunday and United in the Carabao Cup semi-finals three days later.
But City’s training ground is closing for an “indeterminate period” as clubs chiefs cite “a risk the virus could spread” and the “security of the bubble compromised”.
Football bosses now face a headache amid concerns over the rising second wave of Covid-19 as City’s next two games seem certain to need rearranging.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was unsure what City’s positive tests would mean for their impending clash.
He said: “It’s something we’ll discuss given we’ve got them at the weekend and see what the position is.
“I’m not absolutely clear on the rules in terms of Covid cases and how many [to call the game off] and what happens so it’s something I’ll have to pick up with our medical team and the Premier League.”
League Two Leyton Orient had to forfeit a Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham early this season due to a Covid-19 outbreak – but it is understood competition rules allow new dates to be fixed beyond the fourth-round.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was among those on social media pondering City deepening football’s hectic schedule for the second half of the campaign.
The United legend tweeted: “Sounds like Chelsea on the 3rd and the League cup semi v United all gone!”
And although some fans claimed it was unfair Orient were booted out, Nev doubted the same fate would befall City.
He posted: “Not sure they will but I think @leytonorientfc will be watching closely.”
Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker were the first two Man City players to test positive in the latest outbreak of coronavirus Credit: PA:Press Association
Pep Guardiola will have a headache as his Man City squad can’t train for nowCredit: AFP
City say they will only consider resuming training once their squad and other people in their bubble have been tested again.
A club statement said: “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.”
And after the Everton match was called off, Prem bosses insisted: “The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and the way in which all clubs are implementing them.”
Pep Guardiola reacts to Man City’s victory over Newcastle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
