Logo

Logo

Lionel Messi, other Barcelona players undergo COVID-19 test as La Liga plans resumption

Once the tests are completed La Liga players would be given a medical clearance and allowed to resume individual training.

Lionel Messi, other Barcelona players undergo COVID-19 test as La Liga plans resumption

Barcelona's French forward Antoine Griezmann (C) celebrates with teammates after scoringduring the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 15, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, along with his teammates underwent test for the novel coronavirus at the club training ground on Wednesday morning with La Liga pumping up the preparation to resume the league after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first four players to arrive at the Barcelona training facility were Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic, Clement Lenglet and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to undergo a PCR test, reports English outlet Metro. They were followed by Mesi, Antoine Griezmann and Arturo Vidal among others.

Once the tests are completed, players would be given a medical clearance and allowed to resume individual training. Within a few days training in small groups would be permitted before finally larger team sessions can take place.

Advertisement

La Liga has been inspecting facilities at every club to ensure they comply with a strict medical protocol. Barcelona on Tuesday had confirmed that they had passed their inspection.

“The first team will return to the training ground on Wednesday to do the relevant medical tests before starting solo training in the coming days,” a club statement read.

“La Liga gave the green light to carry out these tests after the inspection of the club’s facilities was completed this morning.”

About the tests, La Liga has predicted around 2000 COVID-19 tests would be carried out across 42 professional clubs and has estimated around 30 asymptomatic positive results.

The players or anyone from the staff would be put into isolation and given complete freedom to remain anonymous if they wish. Whereas the rest would be directed to train individually for some time.

Advertisement