Real Madrid's Mariano Diaz tests positive for coronavirus

Real Madrid‘s 26-year old striker, Mariano Diaz, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, casting doubt on his participation in their Champions League tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 7 August.

The club in a statement said tests were conducted on the squad on Monday and that though Diaz was in “perfect health“, he would be self-isolating at home.

“After the Covid-19 tests carried out individually on our first-team yesterday by the Real Madrid Medical Services, our player Mariano has given a positive result.”

Real, who currently trail City 2-1 from the first leg of their last-16 tie before the pandemic suspended the competition in March, are set to play the Premier League side in the second leg on 8 August at the Etihad.

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Mariano was an unused substitute for Real’s last match in the La Liga Santander – a 2-2 draw away at Leganes on 19 July.

Mariano has made seven appearances for Real in all competitions in 2020 and scored in a 2-0 win over Barcelona at the beginning of March, a result that helped Real become Spanish champions.

Madrid play at Manchester City in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Friday, 7 August.