Manchester City have confirmed three new positive Covid-19 cases at the club after their latest round of testing.
Veteran goalkeeper Scottt Carson, youngster Cole Palmer and a member of staff have now joined Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia and Gabriel Jesus on the isolation list following positive tests.
These test results come just hours before Man City play against local rivals Manchester United in a Carabao Cup semi-final.
Eight other City players, three members of staff, one academy player and four City Women also contracted the virus over the festive period, according to the sportsmail.
Figures released on Tuesday confirmed 40 positive cases across Premier League clubs, as the virus continues to spread throughout the United Kingdom. Man City issued an official statement confirming the latest cases of Covid-19 at the club.
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and one member of staff have tested positive for COVID-19,” it read.
“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.”
NEWS | We can confirm that Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and one member of staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5rehttps://t.co/HlU0alDdjW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 6, 2021
Speaking with Sky Sports, ahead of the clash with United, City boss Pep Guardiola highlighted the strain the positive tests, and injuries, are having on his squad.
“We don’t have many players,” he said. “To play one, two games is okay but if sustained for a long time – and you can use just 14 or 15 players – it will be more difficult. But like everyone in the world, we have to adjust in our lives and our profession as much as possible. We don’t have an alternative.
“The important thing is the guys who have Covid recover well and the others try to avoid it as much as possible.”