Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow has revealed that the Villans have so far returned 14 positive Covid-19s test results ahead of their FA Cup third round clash with Liverpool.
Under-23s manager Mark Delaney will lead a team of youngsters against Jurgen Klopp 's Premier League champions at Villa Park on Friday night after Villa were forced to shut their Bodymoor Heath training ground and cancel training following a Covid-19 outbreak on the eve of their cup tie.
A significant number of first-team players and staff were announced to have tested positive and now Purslow, who used to work as Managing Director at Liverpool, has revealed 10 members of Dean Smith's playing squad have been confirmed to be suffering with the virus.
"Two days ago we became aware of significant spike in positive coronavirus tests within our first team squad," he told Sky Sports News. "In the last six days, we went from no positives tests to 14 tests as of early yesterday morning.
"Ten of the 14 positive tests are for players. Obviously at that moment, we had to take the decision to get everybody inside the first team squad in isolation.
"Once we'd done that, in consultation with the FA's medical people, we spent most of yesterday afternoon seeing if we could pull together a team to fulfil the fixture tonight against Liverpool in the FA Cup, which is very important not only for Liverpool and Aston Villa but crucially for the tournament.
"I'm delighted to say we pulled together a whole set of young players who were tested yesterday afternoon. Most of them had never been tested because they're not in the Premier League protocols.
"We got sufficient passes this morning, i.e. no positive tests on that young group and are able to put a team out tonight."
He continued: "In the course of two tests this week we went from clear to nine to 14 in a six-day period which was obviously very alarming and we will see where we are next time.
"Our priority today has been trying to help get this FA Cup tie on. Our club has a very proud tradition in the FA Cup. We are glad to get it through.
"I think it is an absolute dream opportunity for some very young players to play against the Premier League, European and World Champions tonight. I'm jealous of those guys, it's an absolute dream come true for them.
"Mark Delaney will be taking charge. Obviously no-body within our first team bubble will be anywhere near Liverpool or Villa Park tonight.
"It is a brilliant opportunity for young players for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.
"They will give their all for Aston Villa, I'm sure. I sincerely hope it is a great night for our young Villa team."
