Everton's Premier League match against Manchester City has been postponed after a covid-19 outbreak at the visiting club.
The Blues were due to face Pep Guardiola's side at Goodison Park on Monday evening, just 48 hours after securing a 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Boxing Day.
However, in the hours leading up to kick off, reports emerged of a coronavirus outbreak affecting five Man City players, with the club looking to play the fixture at another date.
Confirmation soon followed that the clash would no longer be contested on Monday, with a new date for the game to be announced in due course.
The next match for Carlo Ancelotti's side will now be against West Ham United, with the Hammersmith making the visit to Goodison Park on New Year's Day.
An Everton statement released at 4pm said: "Following a Premier League Board Meeting this afternoon, Everton Football Club has been informed that tonight's fixture against Manchester City has been postponed on medical grounds due to an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Manchester City squad.
"Supporters who were successful in getting match tickets through the Club's ballot for the fixture are advised not to travel to the stadium.
"An alternative date and kick off time has yet to be decided but will be confirmed on evertonfc.com as soon as possible.
"Everton's next fixture will now be the New Year's Day visit of West Ham United (5.30pm GMT)."
The Times has also reported: "Everton’s game with Manchester City is in doubt amid concerns of a Covid-19 outbreak among Pep Guardiola’s squad.
"Talks between the two clubs and the Premier League have been taking place today and a postponement of the fixture is likely."
We will have more on this breaking story as we get it.
And don't forget to subscribe to our FREE Everton FC newsletter, our YouTube channel and listen to our Royal Blue Podcast, with all your favourite ECHO regulars including Phil Kirkbride, Adam Jones, Dave Prentice, Gavin Buckland, Chris Beesley, Connor O'Neill, Paul Wheelock and Sam Carroll.
