MANCHESTER CITY have been dealt a huge blow after Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker tested positive for coronavirus.
The City duo will miss their clash with Newcastle at home on Boxing Day and Everton on the 28th.
The pair – who will now have to self-isolate – are expected to return for their match with Chelsea on 3 January.
Two other members of Etihad staff have also contracted Covid-19, and will remain at home under Government rules.
It comes just days after the pair played in a 4-1 quarter-final win in the EFL Cup against Arsenal at the Emirates.
A City statement said: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, and two members of staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
“All four personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.
“Everyone at the Club wishes our colleagues a speedy recovery over the Christmas period ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”
City have been hit with positive coronavirus tests throughout the year, with Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez also being hit.
It comes after news Premier League clubs will be tested twice a week after a huge rise in cases across the UK.
The Covid surge has seen the majority of England plunged into strict tier 4 restrictions.
Only Liverpool and Everton have been left with clubs who are allowed to have teams in their grounds in the top-flight.
