Villa-Liverpool tie to go ahead ,spurs PL game in doubt

made up of U23s and U18s against Liverpool; Villa's chief executive Christian Purslow says 10 first-teamers are among 14 positive tests; Purslow: "We are in the middle of a very nasty, out of control, coronavirus outbreak in our club."

Friday 8 January 2021 13:51, UK

3:25

Purslow confirms Covid outbreak at Villa

Aston Villa Christian Purslow confirms that 10 players have tested positive for coronavirus and that it it is too early to tell how it will affect their Premier League games against Tottenham and Everton.

Aston Villa Christian Purslow confirms that 10 players have tested positive for coronavirus and that it it is too early to tell how it will affect their Premier League games against Tottenham and Everton.

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Aston Villa have confirmed their FA Cup tie with Liverpool on Friday night will go ahead but Wednesday's Premier League game against Tottenham is in doubt after an outbreak of coronavirus in the first-team squad.

Villa's chief executive Christian Purslow has confirmed that 10 first-team players are among 14 positive cases of Covid-19 at the club.

Villa are therefore set to be without their entire first team for the Liverpool tie, along with boss Dean Smith and assistants John Terry, Craig Shakespeare and Richard O'Kelly, as they are isolating.

But despite fears the game could be postponed, Villa confirmed on Friday morning on their official Twitter account the match would be played.

Aston Villa can confirm that the #EmiratesFACup Third Round tie with Liverpool will be played at Villa Park this evening (7.45pm KO). 🟣 pic.twitter.com/euhAuRSvF7

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 8, 2021

The Premier League side will be relying on their U23s and U18s, who were all tested for the virus on Thursday, to play the tie against the reigning champions of England. Villa's U23s coach Mark Delaney will take charge of the team.