Manchester City confirm three new Covid-19 cases hours before EFL Cup semi-final

Manchester City have confirmed three new positive Covid-19 cases at the club after their latest round of testing. Veteran goalkeeper Scottt Carson, youngster Cole Palmer and a member of staff have now joined Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia and Gabriel Jesus on the isolation list following positive tests. These test results come just hours before Man City play against local rivals Manchester United in a Carabao Cup semi-final. Eight other City players, three members of staff, one academy player and four City Women also contracted the virus over the festive period, according to the sportsmail. Figures released on Tuesday confirmed 40 positive cases across Premier League clubs, as the virus continues to spread throughout the United Kingdom. Man City issued an official statement confirming the latest cases of Covid-19 at the club. "Manchester City FC can confirm that Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and one member of staff have tested positive for COVID-19," it read.

"Both personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.

"Everyone at the Club wishes Scott, Cole and all of our other colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition."

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1346758639302881280 City were without Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia and Gabriel Jesus for their game against Chelsea but still emerged 3-1 victors, with Kevin de Bruyne playing as a false 9 and Joao Cancelo putting in a brilliant performance at right-back. City left-back Benjamin Mendy has not tested positive but was heavily criticised for breaching Covid restrictions on New Year's Eve. Guardiola defended his player, urging people to evaluate their own actions before criticising others.

"I would like to know how many people did this on New Years Eve, but normally in this society we judge the others when first we should judge ourselves," Guardiola said.

"I’m not justifying it, he broke the rules. But don’t give too many lessons to the others."