Manchester City return to training after no new positive Covid-19 tests

Manchester City’s players will resume training after no new positive cases of Covid-19 were reported following a round of testing on Tuesday.

City retested their first-team squad and staff after Monday’s Premier League fixture at Everton was postponed due to previous positive tests for coronavirus.

City announced two players – Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker – as well as two members of staff had tested positive on Christmas Day. Three further positive tests were reported on Monday ahead of the scheduled game at Goodison Park.

More tests will take place later in the week, the results of which will determine whether Sunday’s trip to Chelsea and next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final at Manchester United can go ahead.

In the meantime the club’s training complex, the City Football Academy, will reopen after being closed for deep cleaning.

A statement from the club on Wednesday read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that first team training will resume at City Football Academy this afternoon.

“The full Covid-19 bubble underwent testing yesterday, and results have so far revealed no new positive cases.

“Safety remains our number one priority, and the club will continue to proceed with great caution. The first-team training buildings have undergone a deep clean over the past 48 hours, and the majority of these facilities will remain closed, with only essential operations around training resuming.

“The bubble will undergo further testing in the coming days, the results of which will inform and dictate the next steps.

“Everyone at Manchester City continues to wish speedy recoveries to all of our colleagues who remain in self isolation following their positive tests.”

City’s game at Everton was the second Premier League fixture to be called off due to coronavirus after Newcastle’s clash with Aston Villa earlier this month. It has since been followed by Wednesday’s encounter between Tottenham and Fulham.

There have been calls for the Premier League to halt all games in a “circuit-breaker” but organisers intend for the competition to continue.

A statement from the Premier League read: “In consultation with the Premier League, Manchester City’s first-team squad resumed training today in preparation for their match at Chelsea on Sunday.

“Training recommenced following confirmation there have been no new positive cases after further testing took place on Tuesday.

“The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its Covid-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.

“Manchester City’s postponed game against Everton will be rearranged in due course. The League wishes those with Covid-19 a safe and speedy recovery.”