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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, Premier League clubs have not been spared. Several matches have been postponed as a result of outbreaks of the virus in different clubs as the authorities struggle to manage the situation. Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City are some of the worst-hit clubs.
The Cityzens have been hit hard in recent times, with several players unavailable for selection as they undergo a mandatory period of isolation.
The latest club to be hit by the virus is Aston Villa. A significant number of first-team players and staff are reported to have tested positive for the virus following routine tests on Monday. This has necessitated the shutting down of the team’s training centre, with the affected players and staff going into isolation.
A statement from the club on the situation read: “Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.
“A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation.
“A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today. First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled.
“Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League.”
At the moment, the club’s FA Cup match with Liverpool is in danger of being called off. But that will depend on the outcome of ongoing discussions. The last opponent Villa faced was Manchester United who played City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. It remains to be seen if that will have any effect on both United and City players.
The Blues have been severely affected in the last fortnight as nine first-team men’s players, four first-team women’s players, four members of staff and one Elite Development Squad member all returned positive tests.
The Villans are set to play their rescheduled league game against City on January 20. Although the fixture does not look at risk of a further postponement at the moment, that could happen if more positive cases emerge from both sides in the coming days.