Soccer-Villa cleared to face Liverpool in FA Cup despite COVID-19 outbreak

Villa closed their training ground and cancelled Thursday's practice session after a number of first-team players and staff tested positive for the virus. British media reported Villa are preparing to field a team of youngsters after the first-team squad went into isolation. Mark Delaney, Villa's under-23 coach, is set to take charge in the absence of manager Dean Smith and his backroom staff.

Aston Villa's FA Cup third round tie at home to Liverpool on Friday will go ahead as planned despite a COVID-19 outbreak at the club. Villa closed their training ground and cancelled Thursday's practice session after a number of first-team players and staff tested positive for the virus.

British media reported Villa are preparing to field a team of youngsters after the first-team squad went into isolation. Mark Delaney, Villa's under-23 coach, is set to take charge in the absence of manager Dean Smith and his backroom staff.