Man City were set to face Everton in the Premier League on Monday but that game was suspended in the last hour after the Citizens reported new COVID-19 cases. The coronavirus surge at the Etihad Stadium is set to be worrying, with their upcoming games against Chelsea and Man United now being under huge doubts.
Guardiola's side were set to take on Ancelotti's men at the Goodison Park in the standout fixture of midweek games. However, the Etihad Stadium side requested the game be rearranged after a few more members of their team tested positive for COVID-19, a plea the Premier League accepted four hours before kick-off.
Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker had already contracted the virus, alongside two members of staff, with this being confirmed prior to their weekend clash with Newcastle. At least three more players caught the coronavirus since, with reports suggesting that the virus has spread through the camp, infecting half of the squad.
Man City released a statement, saying: "The club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four reported on Christmas Day. This posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond."
The Premier League giants are awaiting on further test results to determine the gravity of this issue. As a result, their weekend clash with Chelsea in the Premier League and Carabao Cup semi-final showdown vs Man Utd next week are under heavy doubt, especially if their worst fear comes true.
Many might say Everton dodged a bullet with the cancellation of their game as the virus could have entered their camp. However, the Merseyside outfit are unhappy the game was called off.
This is because the Premier League stated that requests to have games postponed would be denied unless at least 14 players caught COVID-19. The Toffees released a statement in the wake of yesterday's decision, demanding "full disclosure of all the information that Manchester City provided to the Premier League so the club can be clear on why this decision was taken".