Real Madrid have confirmed that Mariano Diaz has been forced to self-isolate after testing positive for Covid-19.
The Spanish champions' Champions League last 16 clash with Manchester City has been placed in doubt by the news, with just ten days to go before the two teams are due to meet at the Etihad Stadium.
Madrid, like other elite sports teams, have been made exempt from the UK government's rules on travellers from Spain coming to the country, which call for a 14-day quarantine period after arrival.
The news of Mariano's positive test, and the fact it is unclear whether he has been in contact with other squad members during a break from training, has thrown the game into doubt. The game was originally postponed in March under similar circumstances, when a basketball player who shares training facilities with the football club tested positive.
A Real Madrid source told M.E.N Sport that the club are "training as usual" for the Champions League game, although reassurances will have to be sought that all of the players they want to use are healthy.
In an official statement, Madrid have reacted by confirming the news about Mariano: "After the COVID-19 tests carried out individually on our first football team yesterday by the Real Madrid Medical Services, our player Mariano has given a positive result.
"The player is in perfect health and complying with the sanitary isolation protocol at home."
