While the Covid-19 situation is showing signs of improvement in mainland China, other countries in the world have reported sharp spikes in the number of cases of late.
In particular, Europe has recently emerged as the region most affected by the new coronavirus, as countries like Italy, France, Spain & Germany reported thousands of cases.
Football stars, who frequently travel in their line of work, have also been infected by the new coronavirus.
Image sourced via AFP
In the past 48 hours alone, 4 football personnel from the major European leagues have tested positive for Covid-19.
They are:
Callum Hudson-Odoi, the 19-year-old English winger from Chelsea Football Club, is the latest football star who tested positive for Covid-19.
As a result of his diagnosis, the entire men’s squad, coaching staff and backroom staff of Chelsea with recent close contact with him would have to undergo self-isolation.
The winger apparently had a “mild cold” on Monday (9 Mar) morning and hasn’t reported to the West London club’s training ground since.
Despite being down with the coronavirus, the young talent is reportedly “doing well” and is looking forward to returning to training.
Earlier today, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the new coronavirus.
According to a statement by the North London club, personnel who came into close contact with the 37-year-old Spaniard will undergo self-isolation. These include members of the first-team squad and coaching staff.
The Gunners’ away game with Brighton & Hove Albion originally scheduled for this weekend has been postponed, following the discovery.
While it hasn’t been confirmed, it’s possible Arteta contracted the virus from Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Greek club Olympiacos, which is next on our list.
Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Greek side Olympiacos and Championship team Nottingham Forest tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday (10 Mar).
The millionaire was reportedly at the Emirates Stadium on 27 Feb during his club’s victory over Arsenal. He allegedly met several Gunners’ staff during the visit.
As a result of his diagnosis, Arsenal’s away match against reigning Premier League champion Manchester City was postponed earlier this week.
Olympiacos’ Europa League match with Wolves, however, went on and was played behind closed doors.
The English Premier League wasn’t the only top-flight football league affected by the coronavirus.
Daniele Rugani, who plays centre-back for Italian champions Juventus, also tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday (11 Mar).
As a result of his diagnosis, his teammates, coaches, and other staff will be quarantined for 14 days. This includes the likes of Christiano Ronaldo, Paolo Dybala, and Matthijs De Ligt, among a list of other famous football players.
The 25-year-old defender was reportedly asymptomatic and felt “fine” as of Thursday (12 Mar).
In light of the worsening Covid-19 situation, major football leagues across Europe have also put in place precautionary measures:
So if you’re looking forward to your weekly dose of The Beautiful game, chances are you’ll be disappointed. Worse still, if you’re a fantasy football player, brace yourself for a bizarre game week.
That said, we are heartened that the Europeans football leagues are taking this pandemic seriously and not putting fans and footballers at risk of contracting the disease.
Featured image adapted from The Independent, Twitter, and Facebook.
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