Manchester City confirm 3 new coronavirus cases ahead of Man Utd clash
By Max Cooper
Manchester City have returned three new positive coronavirus test results, just hours ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
The Citizens have been forced to close the training ground for a deep clean, as well as postponing their Premier League fixture against Everton on 28 December, after an outbreak of COVID-19 spread through players and staff.
And the club confirmed on Wednesday that another two players, Scott Carson and Cole Palmer, as well as another staff member, have all contracted the virus, taking the total number of infected up to 17 over the past fortnight.
"Manchester City FC can confirm that Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and one member of staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
"Both personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.
"Everyone at the Club wishes Scott, Cole and all of our other colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition."
Pep Guardiola is already having to make the most of his depleted side, after the coronavirus tore through his squad over the festive period. Duo Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were the first to return positive test results ahead of their match against Newcastle United on Boxing Day, followed by three more prior to the postponed contest with Everton.
First-choice goalkeeper Ederson was also forced to miss their 3-1 victory over Chelsea on 3 January, as he had to self-isolate, meaning Guardiola turned to back-up stopper Zack Steffen in his hour of need.
Defender Eric Garcia has also tested positive, but he would not have featured anyway, due to being sidelined with injury.
Guardiola has aired his concerns over the situation at Man City, admitting he isn't sure if his small number of available players can sustain them over the busy winter schedule, ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final against bitter rivals Man Utd.
"We don't have many players," he said.
"To play one or two games is OK but if this sustains for a long time and I can only use 14 or 15 players it will be more difficult.
"The most important thing is that the guys who have Covid can recover well and the guys handle it well and try to avoid it as much as possible."