Atletico Madrid say two individuals have tested positive for coronavirus – the week of their return to action in the Champions League.

The Spanish outfit are set to resume their European campaign in a quarter-final clash against RB Leipzig on Thursday evening.

However, their preparations were thrown into disarray on Sunday when AS revealed two unnamed members of the club’s travelling party had tested positive for the virus.

The squad were due to fly out to Lisbon on Monday but that has now been delayed until Tuesday as the team are to be tested again.

Atletico released an official statement following AS’ report and stated, “Yesterday, on Saturday 8th August, all the members of the first team and the club’s travelling party to Lisbon underwent Covid-19 tests, as stipulated by the UEFA protocol for participation in the Champions League quarter-finals.

“Among the results which came back today (Sunday), there were two positive tests, with both individuals concerned now isolating in their respective homes.

“This immediately communicated to the Spanish and Portuguese health authorities, UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation, the Portuguese Federation and the National Sports Council.

“Likewise, the corresponding protocols for such cases have been activated, which require new tests to be carried out on the first team and the staff travelling to Lisbon, as well as the close contacts of the two people who tested positive.

“This has resulted in changes to the training schedule, travel itinerary and accommodation plans for the trip to Lisbon. 

“The club will coordinate with UEFA over a new schedule and as soon as there is a new plan it will be made public.

“We also ask for the utmost respect for the privacy of the two people who tested positive.

“Following the end of the La Liga season, Atletico Madrid requested that Spanish teams still competing in Europe should continue to follow the same protocols that were put in place for the restart of the domestic campaign.

“Although UEFA only requires each member of the travelling party to Lisbon to test negative 72 hours before the trip, the club has complied with the protocol set up at the time and kept carrying out weekly Covid-19 testing.”

Diego Simeone’s side defeated Liverpool in the last 16 back in March, less than two weeks before the UK went into lockdown.

Leipzig, meanwhile, also beat English opposition in the form of Tottenham Hotspur.

source:- sportbible