Manchester City plunged into Covid chaos ahead of FA Cup third round tie with Swindon

Manchester City have been hit by a major coronavirus outbreak, with 21 members of their first-team bubble isolating ahead of Friday’s FA Cup tie at Swindon Town.

Manager Pep Guardiola and assistant Juanma Lillo tested positive for Covid earlier this week, with seven of his squad also isolating.

Other staff members have tested positive but City expect their third round tie at League Two Swindon – scheduled for broadcast on ITV – to proceed.

First-team coach Rodolfo Borrell will take the team down to the County Ground. City have not revealed how many of the 21 had tested positive, with some isolating as close contacts.

None of those isolating will be available for Friday’s match. Guardiola confirmed last weekend that both Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko had tested positive. The pair are including in City’s list of seven players.

A City statement read: ‘The City manager recorded a positive test on Tuesday along with assistant Juanma Lillo. Both are now isolating, along with a number of other positive cases within the City first team bubble.

‘This brings the number of those isolating for Covid related reasons amongst the group to 21. Of that number, 14 are backroom staff with seven first team players.

‘Assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell will take charge of the team for the trip to Swindon.’

Daily Mail