Manchester City duo of Rihad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte test positive to coronavirus

Manchester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez and defender Aymeric Laporte have both tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease.

Both players are said to be observing a period of self-isolation currently in accordance with the Premier League and UK government protocol. Neither is reported to display symptoms of the virus.

City released a statement saying: “Everyone at the club wishes Riyad and Aymeric a speedy recovery ahead of their return to training and the new season.”

Mahrez also tweeted in response to messages of support he got from City fans, writing: “Thank you for all the nice messages, I’m good. Stay safe everyone; take care of you.”

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And Laporte adds: “Thanks, everyone for your messages, everything is going as well as possible, I am following the protocol for the next few days and I will be back soon, take care of yourself.”

City would travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on 21 September 2020, which will be their first game of the new season.

They would not play on the opening weekend of the Premier League season after being permitted to sit out the first weekend because of their late finish to the 2019/20 season due to their Champions League exertions.

Manchester City will instead feature just twice in the Premier League in September – the trip to Wolves followed by their first home match of the season against Leicester.