The Premier League encounter between Manchester City and Everton set for Monday evening has been postponed following more positive COVID-19 cases in the City camp.
The news was confirmed by both clubs on Monday afternoon, after the latest round of COVID-19 testing revealed that City had suffered a number of positive cases over and above the four previous cases reported on Christmas Day.
While there has been no confirmation surrounding the players or staff that had tested positive on Monday, Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker were confirmed positive last week, alongside two members of staff.
NEWS | This evening’s game at Everton has been postponed.
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re https://t.co/ZLnMhyIloa— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 28, 2020
In a statement released by Manchester City, it was revealed that the security bubble within the club had been compromised, meaning that there was the risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.
The statement from Manchester City stated:
"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."
It is yet to be confirmed when the fixture will be rescheduled for, meaning that Everton's next fixture will be on New Year's Day, against West Ham United, while City will have to retest before resuming training.
Pep Guardiola's side's next scheduled fixture is against Chelsea on the 3rd of January. There is currently no word on whether that match will go ahead as scheduled.
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