Manchester City have confirmed that fans will not be allowed in to the Academy Stadium next Tuesday to see them take on Preston North End - but will be streaming the game on their subscription service.
The Blues were expecting to welcome supporters back to their training ground for the first time in 16 months for their first warmup game ahead of the 2021/22 season.
However, an outbreak of Covid cases in the academy that forced the club to shut one of the three buildings at the City Football Academy for 10 days has also meant they have decided to play the Championship side behind closed doors instead as a precaution.
Confirming the news on Wednesday morning, a statement on the City website read: "Manchester City’s friendly match with Preston North End at the Academy Stadium on Tuesday 27th July will now take place behind closed doors.
"This follows the Club’s decision on Friday 16th July to temporarily close the Academy building for 10 days after a number of positive COVID-19 tests were recorded.
"Given the short time frame between the end of the isolation period and the Club’s friendly with Preston North End, the Club is adopting a precautionary approach to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained across the City Football Academy site ahead of the new season.
"Supporters will be able to follow every kick of our clash with the Lilywhites with a CITY+ subscription."
Pep Guardiola and a small number of first team players returned to the training ground on Monday to begin preparations for the new season. Most of the squad are still on their holidays after taking part in the European Championship or Copa America this summer, while the academy players that were expected to bolster the group are either self-isolating or have been told to stay away from the campus.
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