Barcelona Covid cases nearly DOUBLE in the space of 24 hours, as Ousmane Dembele, Samuel Umtiti and Gavi are all placed into isolation after testing positive, throwing club’s LaLiga clash with Real Mallorca into serious doubt
- Barcelona have announced a further three cases of Covid within their squad
- Ousmane Dembele, Samuel Umtiti and Gavi have all tested postitive for the virus
- It brings the total number of players currently forced into self-isolation to seven
- Xavi’s depleted side are due to face Real Mallorca in LaLiga action on January 2
Barcelona have been rocked by a spate of further Covid cases that has seen the number of players testing positive almost double in just 24 hours.
The club released a medical statement on Wednesday morning confirming that Ousmane Dembele, Samuel Umtiti and Gavi had all been forced into self-isolation after returning positive tests.
Barcelona reported that the trio are in good health, but the cases will still alarm the club, with the total number of positive tests among the playing squad now at seven.
Ousmane Dembele is among the latest spate of Barcelona players to test positive for Covid
Defender Samuel Umtiti has also been infected by the virus and will self-isolate at home
Four players were already in self-isolation following tests at the training ground earlier this week – Dani Alves, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde.
The jump in numbers will cause concern that further cases are still possible, which could put their LaLiga clash with Real Mallorca on January 2 at risk.
Mallorca are struggling with their own outbreak, too, with four players and three members of staff all testing positive during their winter break.
Barcelona head coach Xavi already has a series of injuries to contend with, while Sergio Busquets is also suspended for the clash, which is scheduled to take place at 8pm on Sunday.
Gavi is the seventh Barcelona player to test positive, with their match on January 2 in doubt
It means that new signing Ferran Torres may have to wait a little longer to make his debut for the club.
The 21-year-old has completed his £55million move from Manchester City and has already trained with his new club. However, the Spain international has not played since breaking his foot while on international duty in October.
He is due to be unveiled at the Nou Camp on Monday January 3.
