Atletico Madrid Boss Diego Simeone Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has tested positive for coronavirus on the eve of La Liga's return, and he will be forced to remain in quarantine until he recovers fully from the illness.

The Spanish top flight got back underway on Saturday evening, although los Colchoneros are not set to take to the field until matchday three, when they will face Granada at the Wanda Metropolitano. But their preparations have been thrown into doubt following the latest developments in the capital city.

Simeone on the touchline last season for Atleti / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Atleti have confirmed that coach Simeone has contracted coronavirus, and will be forced to miss the upcoming training sessions with his squad. However, their statement, relayed by CalcioMercato, confirms that the Argentine 'is asymptomatic and is respecting the quarantine provided for in his home.'

“Our coach, Diego Pablo Simeone, tested positive for Covid in the last tests carried out yesterday; he is asymptomatic and is respecting the quarantine provided in his home," the club said.

Simeone's diagnosis is the second positive case at Atleti, after initial tests showed that another member of staff had also contracted the illness. A precautionary set of follow-up tests were carried out in light of this discovery, and it was in these swabs that they found the Argentine boss to be carrying COVID.

Simeone will be forced to observe quarantine until he recovers from the virus / Octavio Passos/Getty Images

News of Simeone's diagnosis is a huge setback for los Rojiblancos and La Liga as a whole, with cases beginning to mount again around Europe after being brought relatively under control. So far, the footballing community in Spain has escaped many positive tests, and the concern is that their may be a spike in cases if stricter restrictions aren't imposed around the country.

Atleti do have a friendly arranged for September 15 at Cadiz - which Simeone will certainly be forced to watch from home - before they kick off domestic duties on September 27 against Granada. The Spanish giants then travel to Huesca three days later, as the hectic beginning to the schedule takes hold.