Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will likely only miss two matches if a second PCR test comes back positive, according to the Independent.

The Spaniard’s first test was inconclusive but if he is sidelined with the virus, he should only be absent for the game against Newcastle on Sunday and the home match versus Leicester City on Boxing Day.

All players and non-playing staff have to isolate for ten days before they are allowed back in the fold, so Guardiola would have to hand over management duties to the likes of Juanma Lillo and Rodolfo Borrell in the interim.

Guardiola should be able to take his place on the bench again for the trip to Brentford on Wednesday, December 29th and there should be no danger of him missing the clash against Arsenal on New Years’ Day.

Even so, it is hardly ideal timing for the Citizens, considering the packed schedule that the club has to negotiate over the festive period.