Atletico forward Luis Suarez tests positive for COVID-19
What's the story
Atletico Madrid forward Luis Suarez has tested positive for coronavirus. The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the development on Monday. Reportedly, Uruguay's goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz and team official Matias Faral have also contracted the deadly virus. Suarez is set to miss the World Cup Qualifier fixture against Brazil and Spanish league match between Atletico Madrid and his former club Barcelona. Here is more.
Quote
The official release from Uruguayan Football Association
"The Uruguayan Football Association reports that swabs have been carried out on all the members of the senior team, resulting in the players Luis Suarez, Rodrigo Munoz and the official Matias Faral having tested positive for COVID-19," the AUF said in an official release.
Players
Third high-profile player to test positive on international duty
Suarez is the third high-profile player to have tested positive for the virus, after Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was infected while on international duty with Egypt. However, Salah's team doctor said he has mild symptoms and he will self-isolate for at least a week. Last month, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo tested positive while representing Portugal and was forced to miss several games for Juventus.
Signing
Atletico Madrid signed Luis Suarez from Barcelona
Earlier this year, Atletico Madrid completed the signing of Luis Suarez from La Liga rivals Barcelona. The Uruguay international signed a two-year contract with the club after passing his medical. The 33-year-old senior forward had joined Barca from Liverpool in 2014. Legend Lionel Messi lashed out at Barcelona and stated Suarez deserved a better send-off from them.
Impact
The joint-top-scorer for Atletico Madrid
In the ongoing La Liga season, Suarez is presently the joint-top-scorer, having netted five goals from six matches for Atletico. His team-mate Joao Felix also joins him on the list. As far as the World Cup Qualifiers are concerned, Uruguay presently occupy the fourth spot with two wins in three games. They will now face the top-ranked Brazil on Wednesday.