Manchester City have confirmed that three more individuals have tested positive for Covid-19. Goalkeeper Scott Carson, young midfielder Cole Palmer and a member of the backroom team have all received positive tests, adding to the outbreak that started at the club over Christmas.
Manchester City Covid-19 Cases Continue to Rise
Club Statement
In a statement, Manchester City said: “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.”
Stretched Squad Worrying Guardiola
City boss Pep Guardiola expressed his worry over the stretched squad he would have before him if any other players tested positive for the virus.
Depleted City were only able to name eight substitutes on a nine-man bench in their recent win over Chelsea, with one of those being the now-infected Carson and three being youth players.
Zack Steffen made his Premier League debut for the side in the win as Ederson continues his period of self-isolation. However, City will now need to call upon the youth squad to name a substitute keeper.
In an interview with The Times’ Paul Hirst, Guardiola said: “We don’t have many players.
“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.”
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