There may be a Premier League setback scheduled for Sunday (5.30pm) between Chelsea and Manchester City. The meeting is threatened after several cases of coronovirus within the Blues ‘management and within the Citizens’ workforce.

Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Manchester City would travel to Stamford Bridge without their five players, who have been held in solitary confinement following this week’s announcement of their coronovirus positivity. The identity of the players has not been officially released but the English press suggests that Jesus, Walker and Ederson are among those concerned. The first two tested positive on Christmas day.

Already a postponed match for the city

Manchester City’s match, originally scheduled for last Monday, was already postponed against Everton. Therefore a blow against Chelsea may experience the same result. “I have not been given an opportunity to cancel this match. At the moment, the meeting has been maintained. Manchester City have some positive matters in their group, such is the situation”, Frank Lampard had declared, at the press conference.

But two Chelsea staff members also tested positive for coronavirus this week. “Safety should be paramount,” Lampard said, referring to a wave of coronovirus that is currently more contagious in the United Kingdom and especially London. So this could again lead to the postponement of one Premier League poster, another for Manchester City in a space of a few days.