Soccer

Man City have five players isolating with Covid-19 as Guardiola reveals concerns

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the club currently have five players self-isolating after there was a coronavirus outbreak at their training ground.

The outbreak saw City's Premier League game against Everton postponed earlier this week and Guardiola has offered an update on the situation.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of City's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday, Guardiola revealed: "It was four people, two players [and two members of staff], the first time and then three more.

"I don't think the Premier League allow us to name the players but you will know tomorrow.

"We had enough players to play against Everton, we wanted to play but on the day of the game with more cases we informed the Premier League and I personally called Carlo Ancelotti to explain the situation because the day before we were in touch about what would happen and the huge risk.

"People are dying all around the world. Unfortunately the problem is still here but now the training centre is disinfected and hopefully the next tests everyone is negative and the people that are positive can come back without problems."

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City confirmed on Christmas Day that Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and two members of staff had contracted the virus and goalkeeper Ederson appeared to confirm that he was in self-isolation with a post on Instagram.

The identity of the other two players is unknown, with Guardiola adding: "The Premier League told us not to [reveal the players' identities].

"We have to respect the privacy of the players maybe. Tomorrow you will see the lineups and three important players not there so you will know exactly but I'm not allowed to tell you."

Asked if he thought the Premier League should introduce a circuit breaker, Guardiola replied: "We will follow what the Premier League says. They are doing an incredible job and have been since the first lockdown but it is unfortunate what happened with Newcastle.

"I spoke with Steve Bruce and he explained how difficult it was, more than 20 people infected and it can happen to any club in the Premier League. On BBC News yesterday, the situation everywhere is dramatic – 1000 deaths in a day.

"We have to be careful. We are delighted to play games and do our job but at the same time we cannot ignore the reality that the virus is here and we don't know exactly when you can get it. We have to be careful, wearing masks and socially distancing."

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