Pep reveals latest injury news

Men’s team

Trio for the Etihad Player of the Month award for December

Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus tested positive for the coronavirus before Christmas, and three more positive cases were confirmed on Monday.

With an outbreak of infection in the squad, the game against Everton has been postponed until further notice.

Guardiola has said the club are ready to fill in the game against Everton, but the Premier League has advised the game to be called off for health reasons.

With no further confirmed positive cases in the meantime, Sunday’s game at Chelsea will continue, but Guardiola’s options have been significantly curtailed.

“We have five [players out] right now, ”he says. “Five players. The first cases were two players and two staff – then three players the second time around.

“The Premier League will not allow us [to name the players], but tomorrow you will see because they will not travel. They told us not to do it and some clubs advertise, others don’t.

“We have to respect the privacy of the players. But tomorrow you will see the three important players who are not here. I don’t have the right to tell you.

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Reacting to the postponement of our trip to Everton, Pep added: “We had enough players to play at Everton – we wanted to play – but on match day with four cases the day before the virus was inside our club. .

“I called Carlo Ancelotti to tell him about the situation because we could play, but if we were traveling led and had been in contact with our infected players, we could infect Everton.

“It was a big risk. Not just here. Around the world. The problem is still there but now we have disinfected, cleaned the CFA and we are doing some tests and hope they will all be negative. And I hope the infected people will come back safe and sound. In a few cases (of those tested), we still do not have the results.

“We will follow what the Premier League says. I know they do an amazing job with all the extra steps after the first lockdown.

“But take a look at Newcastle. I spoke to Steve Bruce and he explained to me how difficult it was for his club which has more than 20 people infected. It can happen here in Fulham all over the world.

“There are many cases around the world. We are excited to play games, but at the same time, we can’t ignore the reality that the virus is out there and we don’t know exactly when you catch it, but you can get it. That’s why we wear masks and social distancing. “

The City boss has admitted Sunday’s preparation has been disrupted but believes his players will be able to compete strongly against Chelsea.

“Well, you’re less in touch with the players and you’re not in the locker room – they just see us on the pitch. This is what it is, ”he said.

“We have a good team to go out there and try to compete with a tough opponent at Chelsea. But we go there to play our game with enthusiasm and goodwill. We are trying to do our job and have a good performance.