Real on alert after 7 positive Covid cases

Madrid, Dec 16 (EFE).- Real Madrid on Thursday reported five more coronavirus cases after Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale, Andriy Lunin, Rodrygo Goes and Davide Ancelotti, son and assistant of head coach Carlo, tested positive.

The five confirmed cases come in the wake of Luka Modric and Marcelo testing positive on Wednesday.

The outbreak forced Thursday’s training session to be postponed from 11 am to 4:30 pm, as the Italian coach continues preparing for Sunday’s match against Cádiz.

The players who have tested positive will not be available for that match and must remain isolated at home. They will also miss Real Madrid’s last game of 2021, the visit of Athletic Club on Wednesday, December 22.

The outbreak is growing despite the strict rules put in place by Real Madrid, which include daily antigen and PCR tests as well as strict security measures. Cardiological examinations are also carried out on players who suffer from coronavirus, to check that they have not been left with any lingering after-effects.

Modric’s absence will arguably be the most keenly felt, as the 36-year-old remains a lynchpin for the team, but the silver lining is that the Croat will be able to rest.

Since returning from the last international break, he has started every game: seven matches in 21 days.

In addition, Carlo Ancelotti has a problem on the right flank, where Asensio, Rodrygo and Bale – his regular right wingers – have tested positive.

Lucas Vázquez could step in or Eden Hazard could make his first start since September 28.

Bale has not played for Real Madrid for four months due to injury.

Marcelo, who has been isolating at home since yesterday, confirmed on social media that both he and his family “are well” and “hoping to get out as quickly as possible”.EFE

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