Manchester City on Wednesday confirmed that two more players and a staff member have tested positive for COVID-19, hours before their Carabao Cup semifinal against Manchester United.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson and midfielder Cole Palmer are the two players whose results returned positive in the latest round of testing.
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and one member of staff have tested positive for COVID-19,” read the statement issued by the club.
“Both personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.”
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“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.”
The development comes amid rising cases of a mutant variant of the coronavirus in the United Kingdom. Among Premier League players and staff, 40 new cases have been reported recently.
Manchester City, with a total of eight players whose tests returned positive, are one of the worst-affected clubs in terms of number of COVID-19 cases. The numbers include first-team players such as Eric Garcia, Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola’s side has already had one of their matches postponed in the 2020-21 campaign due to growing COVID-19 concerns.
The head coach has limited options in terms of squad selection as the virus continues to spread and more players and non-playing staff members are at risk of contracting it.
Despite this, City defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Boxing Day before Sunday’s 3-1 win over Chelsea.
City will take on United in the Carabao Cup semifinal on Wednesday, but it is unsure how solid a side Guardiola can put forward considering the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the squad.
