Chelsea will seek assurances that it is safe for their game with Manchester City to go ahead on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side were supposed to face Everton on Monday – only for that game to be called off at a late stage due to a “number of positive cases” of Covid-19 in the camp.
City are due to travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but that game is now in doubt.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said: “I think it is a key time and a tough time. I think we felt that coming as Tier 4 came in with the surge. We have to get safety as paramount.
“I believe that’s why the game has been called off because of the spread in the squad for Man City. From our point of view, I will find out in the next day or two because it has to be safe for the two teams. If not, the game won’t go ahead.
“I think the Premier League will direct us on that, but yes, it is a tough time.
“I am not surprised because the public and with how Covid is in the UK, it is difficult for everybody. Football isn’t different all the time so we will have to see what the PL come up with but safety is paramount.”
City said in a statement: “After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.
“With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.
“Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.
“All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. The first team training ground at City Football Academy will close for an indeterminate period, with the squad and associated bubble undergoing testing before any decision is made for training to resume.”
In response, a statement from Everton read: “Our players were prepared for the game, as were both the team staff and everyone at Goodison. Matchday is the most important date in our calendar. And this was a big one.
“Whilst Everton will always have public safety uppermost, we will be requesting full disclosure of all the information that Manchester City provided to the Premier League so the Club can be clear on why this decision was taken.”
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