Covid-19: Murray tests positive, Aston Villa vs Newcastle postponed

THE COVID-19 scourge has continued to ravage through sports, its latest victims being British tennis star Andy Murray and Premier League club Aston Villa.

Former world number one Murray has tested positive for the virus while preparing for the year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, which will be held in February, various outlets reported on Thursday.

The 33-year-old was due to travel to Australia on a special flight, but is asymptomatic and isolating at home.

Murray still hopes to be able to arrive in Australia to participate in the tournament which begins on 8 February 8.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray is a five-time finalist at the Melbourne event.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have had one of their Premier League fixtures postponed and another rescheduled due to a coronavirus outbreak in their camp.

“Aston Villa’s Premier League home match against Everton, scheduled to be played on Sunday, 17 January at 12:00 GMT, has been postponed by the Premier League Board,” the Premier League announced on Thursday.

“Following the rescheduling of Villa’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, which was due to be played last night, a significant number of players and staff remain in isolation.

“As a result, the Premier League Board has agreed to Aston Villa’s request to postpone their match on Sunday.”

Villa will return to action on 23 January to face Newcastle United.

The fixture was initially scheduled for 4 December but was postponed because of the virus.

The Premier League says it has, in consultation with its clubs, enhanced its COVID-19 protocols, and reimplemented a twice-weekly testing programme as the health of players and staff remains the priority.

The body stated that the protocols came into immediate effect last week.