Guardiola returns inconclusive Covid-19 test
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has returned an inconclusive coronavirus test and will have to await the results of another PCR test to determine if he needs to self-isolate.
The Catalan coach was due to speak to the media at 12:30 on Friday ahead of City’s trip to Newcastle this weekend, but the press conference was cancelled after his most recent test came back as inconclusive.
Should Guardiola now return a positive result with a more accurate PCR test, then he will have to self-isolate for ten days.
In addition to Sunday’s game at St James’ Park, Guardiola would then also miss City’s Boxing Day clash with Leicester.
His assistant, Juanma Lillo, would likely take charge in the event that Guardiola would not be able to be in the City dugout.
Guardiola’s absence on the touchline and in training could be a huge blow to City’s hopes of retaining the Premier League title. While the Cityzens have reclaimed their place at the top of the table, Liverpool are just one point behind them.
City recently welcomed back Kevin De Bruyne following a bout of coronavirus, with the Belgian midfielder admitting he is still feeling the effects of it on the pitch.
Guardiola has been one of the Premier League’s biggest advocates of vaccinations and booster jabs.
The competition’s 20 clubs will meet on Monday to discuss how to move forward with the season after half of this weekend’s games were postponed.
Several clubs have been struggling to contain Covid outbreaks in recent days, but there is a collective hope among the top brass that the season can continue as normal.
