ATLETICO MADRID have confirmed two positive tests for coronavirus just four days before their Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
Diego Simeone’s side are set to take on the Germans in their quarter-final clash in Lisbon on Thursday.
Atletico Madrid confirmed two of their staff had coronavirusCredit: EPA
But now their preparations have been thrown into chaos.
The two individuals will now self-isolate and will almost certainly not travel with squad to Portugal.
They have not been named, but Spanish outlet AS reports it is two players who have been infected.
Diego Simeone’s side were due to fly to Lisbon on Monday evening but will now delay their flight until Tuesday with the rest of the squad due to be tested again.
They are also having to change their pre-match training schedule.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Among the results known today, two positives have appeared, which are isolated in their respective homes, and which were immediately communicated to the Spanish and Portuguese health authorities.
“Likewise, the corresponding action protocol foreseen for these cases has been activated, which requires new PCR tests to be carried out on the first team and members of the expedition to Lisbon and the closest contacts of the positive cases.
“That motivates changes in training schedules, in the structure and development of travel and accommodation in the Portuguese capital.”
Simeone’s plans just four days between the quarter-final clash have been thrown into chaosCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
Atletico’s last Champions League game was the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield on March 11.
That fixture came just 12 days before lockdown was introduced in the UK.
One scientist said that fixture – along with Cheltenham Festival – led to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK.
Professor Tim Spector, from King’s College London, said the two events held in March had “caused increased suffering and death that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred”.
Some 52,000 people crammed into Anfield that night, including 3,000 Atleti fans who had travelled from Madrid.
By that time in Spain, attendances at sporting events had already been suspended.
Angry Diego Costa kicks water bottles and kit bag after he is substituted for Atletico at Liverpool in the Champions League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
