SERGI ROBERTO has tested positive for coronavirus in a nightmare end to the year for the Barcelona star.
The club have confirmed that the player is ‘in good health’ with his close contacts being traced for further tests.
Sergi Roberto (left) is in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus[/caption]
Ronald Koeman’s defensive woe increased when the right-back injured his thigh in the recent defeat to Atletico Madrid.
And now Roberto, 28, has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
Barcelona announced the news on Wednesday afternoon and a club statement read: “After PCR tests carried out on Tuesday, the first-team player Sergi Roberto has tested positive for Covid-19.
“The footballer is in good health and is isolating at home amid his recovery from the injury that occurred on November 21 .
“The club has informed the relevant sports and health authorities. In addition, all the people who were in contact with the player have been traced to carry out the corresponding PCR tests.”
Roberto had already been ruled out for a number of weeks after rupturing a muscle in his thigh.
His coronavirus diagnosis may interrupt his recovery while he is forced to stay away from the Barcelona medical facilities.
New signing Sergino Dest is expected to continue at full-back for tonight’s trip to Ferencvaros.
We need to win Saturday’s match in LaLiga, so this is the right time for him to rest.
Ronald Koeman
Alongside the Dutchman will be Oscar Mingueza after the academy prospect stepped in amid the injury crisis.
Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Busquets and attacker Ansu Fati are all unavailable.
However, Barcelona received a boost when Clement Lenglet was declared fit for the game in Hungary having picked up a knock on the weekend.
The Catalans have already qualified for the last-16 thanks to four wins in Group G, leading Koeman to make several changes to his squad.
Lionel Messi is one man being rested and the coach told reporters: “It’s not usual for Messi to rest, I know this, but I have spoken to him about it even if the decision is mine.
“Given the way the calendar is this season, there have been two moments when I could rest him, in Kiev and tomorrow.
“We are already qualified and this way I am able to give opportunities to others.
“We need to win Saturday’s match in LaLiga, so this is the right time for him to rest. After tomorrow there won’t be any other chances to do that.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
