Aston Villa hit by 'significant' COVID-19 outbreak ahead of Liverpool clash

A large number of first-team players and staff at Aston Villa tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week, the club confirmed.

The "significant" outbreak could jeopardize the team's third-round FA Cup tie Friday against Liverpool and next Tuesday's clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

"Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the club, the Football Association, and the Premier League," Villa said in a statement.

The news comes as the number of cases rises across the Premier League. A season-high 40 players and staff tested positive for the virus in the division's latest round of testing.

The Premier League has so far postponed three matches as a result of outbreaks at Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Fulham. However, the league said it "continues to have confidence in its COVID-19 protocols" and expects all fixtures to be played.

Despite losing six players to the virus, City returned to face Chelsea on Jan. 3, winning 3-1. Pep Guardiola's side reported an additional three cases before beating Manchester United in the League Cup semifinals Wednesday.

Southampton's FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town has also been called off following an outbreak at the third-tier outfit. Shrewsbury confirmed "several members" of their first-team staff were isolating after testing positive.