Inter Star Achraf Hakimi Tests Positive for Coronavirus
By Max Cooper
Inter defender Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for coronavirus, ruling the Moroccan wing back out of his side's Champions League clash with German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday.
The amount of cases of the virus has begun to rise once again in Italy, with the nation posting record numbers in October - higher than those during the initial outbreak in March. These positive results have seeped into the football world, with several players - including Cristiano Ronaldo - being ruled out for the upcoming weeks of action.
Inter confirmed Hakimi is the latest to test positive for coronavirus and will not feature on Wednesday, having to serve the necessary period of time in isolation before rejoining his teammates in training.
Their statement reads: "FC Internazionale Milano announces that Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for Covid-19 following the last Uefa check (foreseen by the protocol of the event) carried out in view of tonight's match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
"The Nerazzurri winger is totally asymptomatic and will now follow the procedures set out in the health protocol."
Hakimi joined Inter from Real Madrid in the summer for a fee of around €40m and has hit the ground running in Serie A, scoring once and providing two assists in his opening four matches in the black and blue jersey.
He has proven to be an important player in Antonio Conte's system since his arrival and has picked up from where he left off during his two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. The Morocco international excelled in the Bundesliga and his five goals and ten assists convinced Inter to splash the cash on his services this year.
The 21-year-old will certainly be a miss for Saturday's trip to Genoa, a side who themselves suffered over 20 positive tests following their 6-0 defeat to Napoli back in September.