BEVERLY HILLS, December 02, (THEWILL) –Â Spanish La Liga club Barcelona has been hit by a coronavirus scare after announcing that defender Sergi Roberto has tested positive for COVID-19. The 28-year-old has been sidelined by injury since the 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, November 21.
On Wednesday morning, the club announced that Roberto would not be available for selection even if fully fit, having tested positive for coronavirus.
Barça confirmed in a statement that the versatile Spaniard remains in isolation while they will begin to test any members of staff who have recently come into contact with the infected player.
The statement, which was made public, read:
“After the PCR tests carried out this Tuesday, the first team player Sergi Roberto has tested positive for COVID-19. The footballer is in good health and is isolating at home following the recovery from the injury that occurred on November 21.
“The club has informed the competent sports and health authorities. In addition, all the people who had contact with the player have been traced to carry out the corresponding PCR tests.
“It should be remembered that Roberto suffered a tear in the rectus femoris in his right thigh at the end of Atlético de Madrid-Barça (1-0), an injury for which he will be away from the pitch for approximately two months.
“The club will be hoping to return all negative results from any staff or players who may have met with Roberto in recent days, so as to avoid the possibility of an outbreak throughout the team.”
Roberto’s injury means he misses Barca’s hectic winter schedule, in a worsening defensive outlook with key defenders Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, still suffering fitness woes of their own.
The Blaugrana take on Ferencvaros in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match, having already confirmed their progression to the knockout stages.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
