Pep Guardiola free to take Man City training after negative Covid-19 test
By Tom Gott
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will not need to isolate after returning a negative Covid-19 test.
City had to cancel a press conference on Friday after a routine test came back inconclusive for Guardiola, who was then sent for a full PCR test to determine whether or not he had contracted the virus.
Fortunately, Jack Gaughan reports Guardiola has now been given the all-clear and he will be free to lead Saturday's training session.
City are preparing to take on Newcastle United on Sunday and are one of the few sides in the English top flight who have so far managed to avoid an outbreak of Covid-19.
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was battling the virus before the recent spike, and after his first start since testing negative, he confessed that he was still struggling with the aftermath of the infection, which was taking a toll on his lungs.
After his two-goal haul in the 7-0 mauling of Leeds United, De Bruyne may be in line for another start against Newcastle, although Guardiola may opt to give him some well-earned rest for a fixture which should be relatively comfortable for the league leaders.
Newcastle, who lost 3-1 to Liverpool in midweek, are level on points with bottom side Norwich City and have just one victory to their name all season.
Raheem Sterling is likely to come back into the side, having impressed in recent weeks before returning to the bench against Leeds, while Gabriel Jesus could also get some minutes.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Jesus is in line for a new contract at the Etihad, with Guardiola understood to be particularly pleased with his evolution as a winger.