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Aston Villa vs Liverpool at risk due to ‘large number’ of Covid-19 cases

Aston Villa v Liverpool - Premier League
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Aston Villa has been forced to shut down their training grounds after a Coronavirus outbreak hit the club.

It is a new year but the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed down at all. The football world is far from being the exception. In fact, there has been a surge of cases in several football clubs after the holidays. Moreover, Aston Villa just became the latest team to get seriously affected by an outbreak of the virus. The Villans released a statement clarifying the circumstances around their decision to shut down Bodymoor Heath.

“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.”

Although the club decided not to disclose which players have contracted the virus, it’s clear that the senior squad will not be fully available for this Friday’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool. Moreover, the Villans have established contacts with the proper authorities to discuss what action shall be taken next.

“First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was canceled. Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League.”

Southampton’s cup tie against Shrewsbury had also been postponed for the exact same reasons. Additionally, Wayne Rooney’s Derby County will face Chorley with a squad made entirely of youth team players. The first-team was also entirely put in isolation.

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