Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Dec, 26, 2020. (CLIVE BRUNSKILL / POOL VIA AP)

Five Manchester City first team players have tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be involved when they play Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

A surge in infections at City among players and staff forced the club to lodge a request with the Premier League to postpone Monday’s game at Everton. City also closed their training ground as a precaution.

City said last week that striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Kyle Walker had tested positive but Guardiola refused to divulge the names of the other “three important players” who would not be available for Sunday’s clash

The club said last week that striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Kyle Walker had tested positive but Guardiola refused to divulge the names of the other “three important players” who would not be available for Sunday’s clash.

“I don’t think the Premier League allow us to name the players but you will know tomorrow,” Guardiola told reporters.

“We had enough players to play against Everton, we wanted to play but, on the day of the game, with more cases we informed the Premier League and I personally called (Everton manager) Carlo Ancelotti to explain the situation.

“The day before we were in touch about what would happen and the huge risk... But now the training center is disinfected and hopefully the next tests everyone is negative and the people that are positive can come back without problems.”

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City returned to training on Wednesday after a deep clean but Guardiola said they had their problems as they prepared for Chelsea.

“You are less in touch. The players are not in the locker room anymore, they just train on the pitch,” Guardiola added.

“It is what it is. We have a good enough squad to go there and try to compete against a tough opponent in Chelsea. We are going there to play our game with enthusiasm and goodwill to try to do a good performance.”

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also reported two positive cases in their camp but said they were not players.

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When asked if his players have any concerns about playing this weekend, Lampard said: “We feel as safe as the general public. We’re in a protective environment - certainly in the workplace. We’re now tested twice a week, which is important.

“I think safety and security is paramount, trying to keep the nation’s spirits up. We enjoy watching our football but safety is important.”

Lampard confirmed defender Reece James has been ruled out for the weekend with a muscle injury but winger Hakim Ziyech has returned to training after recovering from a hamstring issue.