Barcelona confirm positive COVID-19 test among pre-season starters

Barcelona have revealed one of their nine players in pre-season training has tested positive for coronavirus.

While the Blaugrana’s first-team stars, including Lionel Messi, are preparing to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, a separate group has started preparations for next season.

New arrival Matheus Fernandes is joined by Jean-Clair Todibo, Moussa Wague, Carles Alena, Rafinha, Juan Miranda and Oriol Busquets, along with Pedri and Francisco Trincao, who have been linked with Bayern and Leicester City respectively.

Barca did not reveal the identity of the player but said one individual had returned a positive COVID-19 test. He is asymptomatic.

One positive case of Covid-19 among the nine players starting the preseason. https://t.co/8wtNikt2mZ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 12, 2020

The confirmed case will not impact the Bayern quarter-final, however.

Barca’s statement added: “The player has not been in contact with any of the senior team players who are scheduled to travel to Lisbon this Thursday to compete in the Champions League.”