Manchester City and Everton fixture at Goodison Park on Monday
was postponed after the former club reported of more COVID-19 cases in the
team, adding more to the four it earlier found on Christmas, an ESPN report
said.

City also confirmed their players will be off the training
ground for an “indeterminate period” till they go through a thorough testing
and considered fit to play.

“Manchester City FC can confirm that this evening’s
Premier League fixture at Everton has been postponed, the club said in a
statement, reported by ESPN.

“After the latest round of COVID-19 testing, the club
returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported
on Christmas Day.

“With the security of the bubble compromised, there
posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff
and potentially beyond,” it said.

“Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in
consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.”

Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker, along with two other staff members
from the club, were found infected with coronavirus on Christmas.

City has requested the Premier League to rearrange the game
on a later date, which the League confirmed it will in a statement.

 “Manchester City lodged a request with the
Premier League today to rearrange the game following an increase in positive
COVID-19 test results received by the club this morning, on top of the cases
reported on Christmas Day.

“This rise has created uncertainty and the Premier
League Board received medical advice that the match should be postponed. The
Board agreed to rearrange the game as a precaution, and further testing will
now take place tomorrow,” it said in a statement.

“The decision has been taken with the health of players
and staff the priority.

“The Premier League continues to have full confidence
in its protocols and rules, and the way in which all clubs are implementing
them.

“The League wishes those with COVID-19 a safe and
speedy recovery and will rearrange the postponed fixture against Everton in due
course.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton are third in the league while City,
managed by Pep Guardiola, are in sixth, trailing the Toffees by three points.

Also read: Man City’s title hunt gaining momentum with win against Newcastle

The postponement is the second this season after an outbreak
at Newcastle United forced the league to call off their match
at Aston Villa this month.

City are scheduled to play Chelsea next on January
3 at Stamford Bridge while Everton are due to face West Ham on
January 1.