Game off due to outbreak

The Premier League was left reeling by a coronavirus outbreak that forced Manchester City’s game at Everton to be postponed just four hours before kickoff yesterday.

Three days after Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were among four individuals to return positive tests, the club announced another round of testing had ‘‘returned a number of positive cases’’.

‘‘With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond,’’ a Manchester City statement read.

‘‘Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, has decided to postpone the fixture.’’

The Premier League, in agreeing to the postponement, said the health of players and staff was paramount.

The fixture is the second Premier League game to be called off this season due to positive tests for coronavirus. The match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United, due to be played on December 4, was postponed due to cases within the Newcastle camp.

City’s training ground has been closed for the foreseeable future with the rest of the squad having to undergo extensive further testing before any potential return can be considered.

The club’s next match is due to be at Chelsea on Monday, which is then followed by their League Cup semifinal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 6.

In on-field action, Leicester City and Chelsea both dropped points in the title race as they were held to draws.

Leicester needed a late equaliser for a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace while the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Aston Villa.

Leicester are second on goal difference, three points behind leaders Liverpool.

Villa stay ahead of Chelsea in goal difference in fifth spot.