Everton Vs Manchester City Off After Positive Covid-19 Tests For Away Side

Everton Vs Manchester City has been postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in City's camp.

The two sides were scheduled to kick off at Goodison Park at 8pm this evening.

It was announced on Christmas Day that Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker had tested positive for the virus and both men missed City's Boxing Day win over Newcastle.

Additional tests returned positive today and as a result, tonight's game is off.

City have released an official statement which reads: "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.

PA

"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."

Everton also released a statement and gave an update to fans, as 2000 fans were expected to be inside Goodison Park.

"Following a Premier League Board Meeting this afternoon, Everton Football Club has been informed that tonight's fixture against Manchester City has been postponed on medical grounds due to an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Manchester City squad," they explained.

"Supporters who were successful in getting match tickets through the Club's ballot for the fixture are advised not to travel to the stadium.

"An alternative date and kick off time has yet to be decided but will be confirmed on evertonfc.com as soon as possible.

"Everton's next fixture will now be the New Year's Day visit of West Ham United."

Meanwhile, City are scheduled to return to action on January 3 against Chelsea, but no update has been given regarding that contest.

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Everton

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a freelance journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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