Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, expects their Premier League clash against Manchester City to be called off if safety cannot be guaranteed, after a COVID-19 outbreak within Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Lampard, speaking after their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Monday, said he is not surprised football is under threat again after it emerged their next two opponents have been badly hit by the virus.
City, who Chelsea were due to host on Sunday, were forced to request the postponement of their meeting with Everton on Monday night due to an increase in positive tests.
The Blues’ FA Cup third round visitors, League Two Morecambe, have also cancelled their next two games following a surge in the virus throughout their camp.
“We’ll see what the position is. It’s a key time and a rough time, and we felt that coming with Tier 4 coming in and the surge in Covid.
“From our point of view I will find out more over the next day or two to make sure it has to be safe for the two teams. If not the (City) game won’t go ahead.
“If we don’t play these games (City and Morecambe) we’ll keep working.
“I’m not surprised because the way Covid is in the UK is difficult for everybody and football isn’t very different. So we’ll just have to see what the Premier League come up with but safety will be paramount,” Lampard said.
