BEVERLY HILLS, January 07, (THEWILL) – English Premier League club Aston Villa have revealed that “large” numbers of staff and players have contracted COVID-19 after the latest round of routine testing. This has further fuelled fears that their FA Cup third-round match with Liverpool could be called off as a consequence.
There had been a suspension of training for Friday’s game as the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground was closed after the outbreak. The status of the game remains in doubt while discussions continue between Villa, the Premier League and the Football Association.
An official club statement on the matter read:
“Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak. A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation.
“A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today. First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled.
“Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League.”
However, Villa stopped short of confirming the identities of the individuals involved in the outbreak. The Villans are not the first EPL side to have been hit by the virus. Manchester City, Fulham and Newcastle United have all had league fixtures postponed as a result of their own outbreaks.
On the heels of the FA Cup third round, some lower league clubs, which are subject to less testing, such as Derby County and Shrewsbury Town have reported similar outbreaks as well.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
