[ad_1]
Manchester City’s visit to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Premier League on Monday was postponed due to COVID-19, the clubs confirmed.
City also confirmed that their training camp will be closed for an “undetermined period”, and further testing is required before the players can train. The game against Everton was due to start at 8 pm (3 pm ET).
A Manchester City statement read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that tonight’s Premier League match at Everton has been postponed.
– Stream FC daily on ESPN +
“After the latest round of COVID-19 testing, the club returned several positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.
“With the security of the bubble compromised, there was a risk that the virus would spread further between equipment, personnel, and potentially beyond.
“Based on strong medical advice, the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, has decided to postpone the match.”
Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, and two city staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on December 25.
Furthermore, a Premier League statement read: “Manchester City today submitted a request to the Premier League to reorganize the game following an increase in positive COVID-19 test results received by the club this morning, in addition to those cases reported on Christmas Day.
“This increase has created uncertainty and the Premier League Board received medical advice that the match should be postponed. The Board agreed to reorganize the game as a precaution, and further testing will take place tomorrow.
“The decision was made with the health of the players and staff as a priority.
“The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and in the way that all clubs are implementing them.
“The League wishes those with COVID-19 a speedy and safe recovery and will reorganize the postponed match against Everton in due course.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton is third in the league, while City is sixth, three points behind. However, Pep Guardiola’s team has a game on their hands.
The postponement is the second this season after an outbreak at Newcastle United forced the league to suspend their match at Aston Villa this month.
City will play Chelsea on January 3 at Stamford Bridge, while Everton will face West Ham on January 1.
