Manchester City’s game against Everton at Goodison Park tonight has been postponed because of an outbreak of coronavirus at the club. Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus missed City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Arsenal after testing positive for the virus and the club hoped that they had contained the spread. However, tonight’s game was dependent on results to tests that were carried out on Sunday and it’s been discovered that five members of the club have tested positive.

It’s unclear whether the positive results are all from the playing squad or members of Guardiola’s backroom staff. A City club statement read: ‘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.’ Newcastle United’s fixture with Aston Villa in early December became the first fixture this season to be postponed after an outbreak at the Magpies’ training ground and Steve Bruce admits two players are now suffering from ‘long Covid’. 

City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 3rd, before a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United three days later. Those who have tested positive will have to self-isolate for at least seven days, calling into question their participation for the rest of the festive period.