By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Lionel Messi is one of four Paris St-Germain players to test positive for Covid-19.
The Argentine forward and team-mates Juan Bernat, Nathan Bitumazala and Sergio Rico were confirmed to have Covid a day before PSG’s French Cup tie against fourth-tier side Vannes.
The quartet are said to be isolating.
In a short statement on the club’s site, PSG said: “The medical update for this Sunday, January 2 concerns Leo Messi, Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico, Nathan Bitumazala and Neymar Jr.
“The 4 positive players for Covid-19 are Leo Messi , Juan Bernat , Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala . They currently respect isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol.
“Neymar JR will continue his care in Brazil until January 9 with members of the medical and performance staff of Paris Saint-Germain. His return to training is still expected in about 3 weeks.”
Messi returned to Argentina over the festive period to spend some much needed time with family and friends.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino added that Messi remained in Argentina where he spent the winter break and would not travel until testing negative.
During a pre-match news conference on Sunday, Pochettino said he could not put a date on Messi’s return.
PSG’s first league game of 2022 after their winter break is against Lyon on Sunday, 9 January.
Forward Neymar will miss that match as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury in Brazil. PSG says the 29-year-old is expected to return to training in three weeks.
Elsewhere Four Bayern Munich players including captain Manuel Neuer, as well as a coach have tested positive for Covid-19, the Bundesliga champions said.
Goalkeeper Neuer will miss the first training session of the year, which has been moved from January 2 to January 3 “in light of the current pandemic situation,” Bayern said.
“Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso and Omar Richards have tested positive for coronavirus.
“They are all doing well, as is assistant coach Dino Toppmoeller, who has also tested positive for the virus. They are all isolating at home,” the club said in a statement.