Barcelona icon, Xavi Hernández has tested positive for Coronavirus but is asymptomatic and currently in self-isolation.
The 40-year-old Barcelona and Spain legend, who is the current manager of Al Sadd in Qatar, announced his diagnosis today July 25 on Instagram.
He wrote on his page: ‘A few days ago, following the QSL (Qatar Stars League) protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test. Fortunately, I’m feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all-clear. When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work.
‘I’d like to thank all the authorities, especially those working in [the] QSL, [the] QFA (Qatar Football Association) and [at] Al-Sadd for supplying the means of early detection, reducing the spread of infection and that guarantees the normal development of the competition.’
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Xavi will now miss the club’s Qatar Stars League game against Al Khor on Saturday as a result of contracting the disease. David Prats, Al Sadd’s reserves coach, will take interim charge.
According to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University, Qatar has over 108,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 164 deaths.