Barcelona Hit by Coronavirus Scare After Sergi Roberto Tests Positive

Barcelona have been hit by a coronavirus scare after announcing that Sergi Roberto has tested positive for COVID-19.

The 28-year-old has not featured for the Blaugrana since suffering an injury in the 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on November 21, meaning he was unavailable for their victory over Osasuna on Sunday afternoon.

And the club announced on Wednesday morning that Roberto would not be available for selection even if fully fit, having tested positive for the coronavirus. Barça confirmed in a statement that the versatile star is in isolation, and they will begin testing any members of staff who have recently come into contact with the infected player.

"After the PCR tests carried out this Tuesday, the first team player Sergi Roberto has tested positive for COVID-19," the statement read. "The footballer is in good health and is isolating at home following the recovery from the injury that occurred on November 21.

"The club has informed the competent sports and health authorities. In addition, all the people who had contact with the player have been traced to carry out the corresponding PCR tests.

"It should be remembered that Roberto suffered a tear in the rectus femoris in his right thigh at the end of Atlético de Madrid-Barça (1-0), an injury for which he will be away from the pitch for approximately two months."

The club will be hoping to return all negative results from any staff or players who may have met with Roberto in recent days, so as to avoid the possibility of an outbreak throughout the team.

Roberto's injury to his thigh means he will miss the majority of Barça's hectic winter schedule, along with key defenders Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, all of whom are suffering fitness woes of their own.

Ronald Koeman's men take on Ferencvaros on Wednesday evening, having already comfortably confirmed their progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League.