Man City’s Mahrez & Larporte Test Positive For COVID-19

Manchester City duo Riyadh Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have tested positive for COVID-19.

City announced that both players have been forced to self-isolate for the next two weeks in a statement on their official website on Monday, which reads: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Both players are currently observing a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. Neither is displaying symptoms of the virus.

“Everyone at the Club wishes Riyad and Aymeric a speedy recovery ahead of their return to training and the new season.”

Pep Guardiola will welcome Laporte and Mahrez back into his squad before City’s 2020-21 season opener against Wolves on September 21, but their participation could be in doubt due to a potential lack of match fitness.

Guardiola, who has just returned to England after a trip to Spain, is also currently observing a 14-day period in quarantine.

A large number of City’s senior stars are due to make their way back to Etihad Stadium later in the week after the international break, including England stars Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden.

Assistant manager Juan Manuel Lillo will oversee pre-season preparations in Guardiola’s absence, as the Blues look to bounce back from a disappointing 2019-20 campaign.