Aston Villa close training ground after coronavirus outbreak with Liverpool clash in doubt

Aston Villa have closed their training ground after a significant outbreak of coronavirus. Villa have confirmed that a “large number of first team players and staff” have tested positive for Covid-19. The news has cast huge doubt over the FA Cup match against Liverpool on Friday.

Villa were set to host Liverpool in the third round tie at Villa Park.

However, there has been no first-team training today following the results of the tests and the match is in serious danger of being called off with those affected now isolating.

Next Wednesday’s Premier League match between Villa and Tottenham could be in doubt too.

Villa also cancelled the club’s press conference, which was due to take place at 2pm.

The statement from the club read: “Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.

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“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.”

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The coronavirus pandemic is causing havoc across the football calendar.

Southampton’s FA Cup match against Shrewsbury, which was set to take place on Saturday evening, has been postponed after an outbreak at the League One club.

A statement from the FA read: “Shrewsbury Town FC informed The FA that there have been a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases at the club such that they did not have a sufficient amount of fit, non-isolating players who would be able to play in the fixture.

“Shrewsbury Town FC provided The FA with details of the medical advice it had received and its communications with local Public Health England and liaised with The FA’s COVID Medical Officer for the Emirates FA Cup.

“The FA also requested and considered further information regarding Shrewsbury Town FC’s ability to fulfil the fixture.

“There will be a meeting of The FA’s Professional Game Board early next week to make a decision as to what will happen with the fixture.

“The FA hopes that all those testing positive for COVID-19 have a full and swift recovery.”

Meanwhile, Derby’s third round tie against non-league Chorley has also been affected.

Interim manager Wayne Rooney and his entire first-team squad will miss the match at Chorley on Saturday.

Derby are now set to field a team of under-23 and under-18 players.

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