City match falls victim to COVID-19 outbreak

Manchester City's English Premier League visit to Everton on Monday was postponed after multiple new positive tests for coronavirus were detected among Pep Guardiola's squad.

City had already announced on Christmas Day there had been four positive tests at the club for players Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus and two staff members.

"Based on strong medical advice, the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture," City said in a statement.

"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 among the squad, the staff and potentially beyond."

According to EPL rules, matches will not be postponed unless the affected club has fewer than 14 fit senior players.

Xinhua - Agencies