Man City forced into last-minute cancellation as Pep Guardiola faces Covid uncertainty

Pep Guardiola is at the centre of a Covid scare - after returning an "inconclusive" lateral flow test.

The Manchester City boss was due to hold a press conference at 1.30pm on Friday to preview Sunday's game at Newcastle.

But Guardiola was forced to cancel that briefing after returning the test and is set to undergo a secondary PCR test to establish whether or not he has Covid.

If Guardiola returns a positive result, it means the City boss will be forced to isolate for 10 days, meaning he would miss Sunday's trip to Newcastle and the Boxing Day clash with Leicester at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola flew to Barcelona with sporting director Txiki Begiristain and coach Lorenzo Buenaventura this week to support Sergio Aguero, as City's all-time record goalscorer announced his retirement from playing due to a heart scare.

(Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

The City boss is understood to have returned to Manchester on Wednesday, to oversee training ahead of the trip to St James' Park this weekend.

If Guardiola does produce a positive PCR test and is forced to isolate, his No.2, Juanma Lillo, will take over his duties during the City manager's enforced absence.

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