Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola will miss his team’s FA Cup third-round tie against Swindon Town on Friday, January 7, 2022.
He tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the latest Premier League manager affected. Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp were recent cases.
Isolation Hits City Staff and Players
Guardiola and assistant Juanma Lillo are isolating after positive tests on Tuesday. Seven players and 14 backroom staff from the first-team bubble are also self-isolating.
This brings the total to 21 in isolation for COVID-related reasons.
Club Statement on Outbreak
A Manchester City statement confirmed the outbreak. “Both are now isolating, along with a number of other positive cases,” it read.
Assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell will manage the team during Guardiola’s absence.
Potential Absence from Chelsea Clash
Guardiola may miss City’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday, January 15, 2022. The outbreak adds to City’s challenges amid rising COVID cases in football.
Broader Impact on Premier League
The incident highlights COVID’s ongoing disruption in the Premier League. Managers like Arteta and Klopp faced similar issues. City aims to maintain performance despite the absences.
