América not spooked by Covid-19 outbreak at rivals Cruz Azul | OneFootball

América have said that news of eight positive cases of Covid-19 in the Cruz Azul camp has not derailed their plans to participate in the Copa por México (Cup for Mexico).

The two Mexico city clubs are set to compete in Group A of the tournament, along with Pumas and Toluca.

Games are scheduled to start in the capital on 3 July, with Group B getting underway in Guadalajara on the same day.

Despite the risks involved, América confirmed to ESPN that the spate of coronavirus cases at Cruz Azul has not unduly concerned them.

The club said they are confident that their neighbours will not use any infected players and that all necessary safety measures will be in place for the tournament.

In his last video press conference, América manager Miguel Herrera stressed the importance of the competition for his side’s Apertura preparations.

“For us coaches it is important to arrive with games,” Herrera said.

“We have three months without doing soccer in a fit and active way, so arriving from three months direct to soccer and competition without going through a preseason is not good either.”

Group B will consist of Chivas, Tigres, Atlas, and Liga MX newboys FC Mazatlán.